The 2024 Method 1 season delivered a number of unforgettable moments, with Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. The title was clinched in Las Vegas, however it was his outstanding efficiency on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that actually solidified his standing as a future legend of the game. Verstappen confronted an uphill battle earlier than the race, with one of many wettest occasions in current F1 historical past forward of him.
Throughout qualifying, Max Verstappen was caught out by one in all many crimson flags, leaving him eradicated in Q2 and including a five-second penalty to his troubles. Ranging from seventeenth on the grid, he confronted a difficult race, particularly together with his fundamental championship rival, Lando Norris, ranging from the entrance row. Nevertheless, Verstappen impressed observers, together with David Coulthard, together with his capability to chop by the pack. He additionally benefited from a well timed security automotive that helped him acquire floor, in the end securing the win in dominant style, setting quickest lap after quickest lap within the closing phases.
Regardless of Max Verstappen’s beautiful victory, many followers, prompted by a submit from the official Method 1 Instagram web page highlighting one of the best comeback drives of the season, felt that Charles Leclerc’s efficiency on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix outshone the Dutchman’s effort. The submit famous that the woorld champion had made up 16 positions in Brazil to assert victory, whereas Charles Leclerc’s drive from nineteenth on the grid in Abu Dhabi was additionally an exhilarating spectacle.
By the tip of the primary lap, Leclerc had already moved as much as eighth, ultimately ending on the rostrum simply 31 seconds behind winner Lando Norris. Alongside Max Verstappen, the submit additionally talked about George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, and Lando Norris, however many followers identified that Leclerc’s comeback, significantly given the variety of overtakes he made, was much more spectacular than Verstappen’s Sao Paulo cost.
One fan remarked that the Monegasque driver’s efficiency from P19 to P3 wasn’t being mentioned sufficient, whereas one other highlighted that Charles achieved this with none assist from a security automotive, digital security automotive, or rain. This sentiment was shared by many, with one fan noting that Charles Leclerc’s drive was spectacular exactly as a result of it was accomplished with out assistance from a security automotive or crimson flag. One other fan reiterated this level, stating that Leclerc’s efficiency was superior, as Max Verstappen had benefited from a crimson flag, whereas the Ferrari man had neither a crimson flag nor a security automotive to help him.
The Monegasque driver’s capability to make his comeback with out the help of a security automotive or crimson flag obtained appreciable reward, with one fan stating that Leclerc’s comeback was the higher one, because it was achieved below regular climate situations, and not using a security automotive, and with out having one of the best automotive. It was additionally clear that each drivers had earned nice respect for his or her performances, as one other fan commented that Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc had been on one other stage this season, each exceeding expectations with their respective vehicles.
Charles Leclerc is eagerly awaiting the chance to problem Max Verstappen as soon as extra. All through his Method 1 profession, the Dutchman has confronted off in opposition to a number of the sport’s prime rivals, however Leclerc has hardly ever been a continuing determine on his radar. The 2022 season noticed a powerful begin for Charles Leclerc, as he gained two of the primary three races and secured pole positions at six of the primary eight Grands Prix. But, regardless of this promising starting, the Monegasque driver’s type faltered, and except for a victory in Austria, he struggled to take care of that early momentum, failing to assert one other win for the remainder of the season.
Nevertheless, Ferrari’s state of affairs has considerably improved, and they’re now poised to contend for each the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2025. For the Monegasque, although, the trail to his first title would require him to first outperform his new Maranello teammate, the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. So long as Pink Bull’s dominance continues, Verstappen will stay a formidable contender, and until the staff experiences a major decline in efficiency, he can’t be dominated out from securing a fifth consecutive championship within the upcoming season.