Written by Sofia Costantino, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Our dear 2024 Formula One season comes to an end this weekend with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering a dramatic end to a year filled with tension, triumphs, and transitions.
The Yas Marina Circuit, known for its spectacular sunsets and vibrant atmosphere, serves as the backdrop for one of the most anticipated finales in recent memory, where monumental career shifts and historic firsts promise an emotional and unforgettable weekend.
There’s plenty of action this weekend, such as the Ferrari vs McLaren battle for the constructor’s championship, as well as the battle between Norris and Leclerc for P2 in the drivers’ championship.
The goodbyes will also be given out in droves, for drivers such as Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu. Not to forget the end of an era, with Lewis Hamilton starting his final race with Mercedes.
After over a decade of dominance, including as many as seven world championships, six with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season signals a new chapter in his illustrious career.
This decision not only reshapes his trajectory but also alters the balance of power within the grid.
Eager to reclaim its historical dominance, Ferrari views Hamilton as the catalyst to reignite its championship ambitions. His departure from Mercedes ends an era of unparalleled success and introduces a period of reinvention for both parties.
Hamilton’s move set off a chain reaction within the paddock, most notably affecting Carlos Sainz. F1’s smooth operator will leave Ferrari, having delivered four race wins, six pole positions, four fastest laps, and 26 podiums.
He also delivered unbelievable race strategies and much joy on numerous occasions. After plenty of speculation, the Spaniard will join Williams, a team steeped in F1 heritage but striving to regain its competitive edge.
For Sainz, this shift represents an opportunity to lead a storied team through its revival, taking on a leadership role similar to the ones filled by legends in the past.
This race weekend also witnessed the Leclerc brothers, Charles and Arthur, achieve a unique milestone as the first siblings to participate in an official Formula One session.
Charles has been a fixture in the Ferrari camp, while Arthur’s debut in FP1 for Ferrari adds a layer of family pride and marks a significant moment in the sport’s history.
This development highlights the evolving narratives that define Formula One, as not just a competition of machines and strategy, but also of deeply personal stories.
Looking back at the season, the record-breaking calendar stretched the limits of teams and drivers.
Double-headers like Las Vegas and Qatar, separated by 13,000 kilometers and 10 time zones, tested the endurance of the entire paddock.
The chaotic events in Qatar, marked by unusual penalties and uncharacteristic errors from experienced drivers such as Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Pérez, highlighted the toll of fatigue and jet lag.
These incidents sparked renewed conversations about the sustainability of the current calendar, and the need for measures to address physical and mental strain.
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix looms, the focus is as much on the race as on the narratives set to define 2025.
Hamilton’s quest with Ferrari, Sainz’s leadership at Williams, and the emergence of new talent has heralded an era of transformation for our new rookies. This weekend promises to be not just the end of a season, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the sport.
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