The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix once again lived up to its reputation as a dazzling finale for the Formula 1 season. Yas Marina’s illuminated oasis provided not just a spectacular backdrop, but also compelling narratives as the drivers and teams fought for pride, glory, and critical championship positions. With the fireworks fading and the dust settling under the night sky, let’s unravel the major winners and losers who set the stage for the next racing spectacle in dramatic fashion.
Among those who soared, the relentless dominance of Max Verstappen stood out like a beacon. The Dutch superstar pulled off another clinical performance, converting pole position into a commanding victory. With his Red Bull perfectly dialed in, Verstappen demonstrated a blend of pace management and tire conservation that left his rivals in the shade. As the paddock begins to measure potential for 2025, there’s little doubt that Max and Red Bull remain the benchmark — their consistency and innovation having raised the bar for modern F1 excellence.
Behind Verstappen, Charles Leclerc brought renewed optimism to Ferrari’s camp. The Monegasque racer not only secured a strong podium finish but executed strategic mastery in his duel with George Russell. Ferrari’s promising race pace and tire longevity suggest that Maranello’s engineers are edging closer to recapturing former glories. For fans in the red grandstands, Leclerc’s drive was a much-needed tonic amid an otherwise turbulent season, hinting at greater potential come the 2025 campaign.
Also writing history was George Russell, whose artistry delivered a morale-boosting result for Mercedes. With pit wall strategy and tire gambits playing a crucial role, Russell proved his mettle, fending off spirited challenges in the thick of the midfield. As Sir Lewis Hamilton’s campaign fizzled out, Russell’s performance was a timely reminder of his readiness to lead the Silver Arrows if called upon, placing him firmly in the team’s future plans.
On the other side of fortune’s wheel, the weekend spelled heartbreak for drivers and teams who arrived in Abu Dhabi with high expectations. Sergio Perez's evening was marred by misfortune and penalties, as contact with Lando Norris cost him dearly. Despite moments of speed, Perez's inability to convert opportunity into substantial points keeps question marks looming over his long-term Red Bull seat. With the 2025 driver market heating up, every misstep is magnified under the microscope.
McLaren, so impressive throughout much of the year, faced a sobering reality check. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, so often the darlings of rising star supporters, couldn’t unlock their usual ferocity at Yas Marina. This underperformance highlighted how volatile development races can be in the current regulations. The mission for McLaren now is clear: consistency needs to be their ally if they are to threaten Red Bull and Ferrari next season.
Elsewhere, the closing chapter of Abu Dhabi spelled particular gloom for Alpine. The French squad’s double retirement was a bitter way to cap off a season beset by mechanical woes and mixed pace. While Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly demonstrated flashes of brilliance during the year, technical gremlins once again thwarted their ambitions — a narrative that simply must change if Alpine are to break free from the midfield quagmire.
Notable, too, was the valiant effort of Yuki Tsunoda, who almost single-handedly carried the RB team’s hopes. His points finish was testament to the fighting spirit so revered by Japanese motorsport fans. For Tsunoda, such performances grow his credentials for a larger role within the Red Bull family, offering hope that his aggressive yet controlled style can net even greater results in the future.
As the paddock packs up and teams begin winter development, Abu Dhabi 2024 will be remembered as a race that both affirmed existing hierarchies and hinted at a potential shake-up in 2025. For fans, the narrative richness and on-track drama provided ample talking points — a fitting curtain call to a season where the only predictable thing was unpredictability. The offseason may be upon us, but the hunger for speed and spectacle never fades — Sziasztok, and see you all when the lights go out once more!
