Now or Never: Why Formula 1’s 2024 Season is a Historic Moment For Fans

As the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, excitement is at an all-time high. This unforgettable season has once again showcased why F1 is hailed as "The Pinnacle of Motorsport." Across 24 races spanning 21 countries, the longest season in the sport’s history, fans witnessed electrifying battles, fierce rivalries, and moments of pure drama. Leading the charge in F1’s global expansion is the United States, proudly hosting three Grands Prix, more than any other nation. With championship stakes at an all-time high and the sport poised for transformative changes, there has never been a better time to dive into the exhilarating world of Formula 1.

An American Take-Over

The Miami Grand Prix held in early May, saw its inaugural race in 2022 with this year’s race setting an all-time live viewership record for races in the U.S. Its 3.1 million average viewership meant viewership was up 48% over last year’s race and this year’s most viewed race in the United States. This viewership spike can be attributed to the popular driver, Lando Norris’ first ever win in six seasons.

McLaren’s Lando Norris displayed a strong pace throughout the entire race but had a tough start from P5. His advantage over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen came in the high-speed corners and straights, where he was roughly 0.3-0.5s quicker. Verstappen, who complained of understeer, was forced to carry less speed into corners, costing him valuable time per lap.

Another factor in Norris’ first win included his strategic gamble by staying out longer than Verstappen. His decision paid off when a safety car period allowed him to pit without losing position. During the safety car, the pit stop loss was 10 seconds less than a regular stop, which proved to be the crucial turning point that secured Norris’ victory at the Miami GP. This landmark win not only marked the beginning of an unexpected Drivers’ Championship battle between Norris and Verstappen but also signaled the end of Verstappen’s dominance in F1.

The United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, is the oldest of the three U.S. Grand Prix events and is often regarded as the classic among them. Known for its thrilling layout and challenging corners, it's considered the most enjoyable for the drivers, making it a fan favorite. The race has maintained steady viewership over the past few years, consistently attracting an average of 1.1-1.3 million viewers, which is comparable to the IndyCar all-season viewership, an American-based open-wheel racing series. This year’s race did not disappoint, featuring an exciting finish as Ferrari secured its second 1-2 finish of 2024, and the event became the fifth most-viewed race of the season.

The 2024 sold-out Las Vegas Grand Prix, held the weekend before Thanksgiving, saw a notable decrease in live tv viewership, making it the only U.S. Grand Prix to experience such a dip. This drop was anticipated by many, as the 2023 Las Vegas GP marked the first race in the city since 1983, generating significant initial hype that understandably faded in the following year. Additionally, it being the third-to-last race of the season likely contributed to lower viewership. However, the race's excitement remained high, as Max Verstappen finished in 5th place, earning 10 points, while Lando Norris came in 6th, securing 9 points. This result ultimately sealed Verstappen's fourth World Drivers' Championship.

The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix also delivered a thrilling qualifying session, with Mercedes’ George Russell narrowly clinching pole position over Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz by a mere 0.098 seconds. Despite Sainz boasting a faster top straight-line speed of 349 km/h (6 km/h quicker than Russell) on a circuit featuring the second-longest straight on the calendar, Russell's pole position was a testament to Mercedes’ clever strategy and the effective use of track evolution. As the newest circuit on the F1 calendar, the circuit, which races directly on the Las Vegas Strip, is heavily impacted by track evolution; as more cars run, dust is cleared, and rubber is laid down, significantly improving grip. Russell capitalized on this by timing his flying lap to perfection, securing a crucial pole position under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. For comparison, his first running time in Q3 was 1.32.811 seconds to his 1.32.312 second in the latter run of Q3 testifying what a difference track evolution can make.

What’s Next for F1?

The 2024 Formula 1 season will conclude with the much-anticipated Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the Constructors’ Championship will be decided between McLaren and Ferrari. It’s a high-stakes battle, as Ferrari last claimed the title in 2008, while McLaren’s most recent triumph was back in 1998. Both teams are eager to end their championship droughts, making this finale one for the history books. The race will also mark a farewell for several veteran drivers, including Kevin Magnussen (7 seasons), Valtteri Bottas (12 seasons), and Zhou Guanyu (3 seasons). Additionally, Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson, two current rookies, will be without seats heading into 2025, hinting at potential surprises in the off-season.

The 2025 season promises major shifts, with Lewis Hamilton making a sensational move to Ferrari after 10 years with Mercedes, pushing Carlos Sainz to Williams. Fans will also be introduced to five new rookies, including rising stars like Ollie Bearman at Haas and Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, the latter serving as Hamilton’s protégé. Looking further ahead, 2026 will bring even more transformative changes. GM’s Cadillac will join the grid as the second American team and 11th team overall, while Audi will take over the Sauber team. Additionally, new regulations will come into effect, potentially reshuffling the competitive order and sparking a new era for Formula 1.

With these transformative changes on the horizon and the seventh season of Netflix’s popular Drive to Survive set to release soon, the future of Formula 1 promises to be more thrilling than ever, as the groundbreaking 2024 season draws to a close.