BREAKING: F1 AWARDS - VOTE: Who was the best team principal...

F1 AWARDS – VOTE: Who was the best team principal in 2024?

The 2024 Formula 1 season witnessed an intense battle for the Constructors’ Championship, with three teams at the forefront: Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari. Red Bull, long the dominant force, were dethroned by both McLaren and Ferrari, with McLaren claiming the Constructors’ title for the first time since 1998. This marked an extraordinary turnaround for the team, which had struggled in 2023, being one of the slowest on the grid. By the end of 2024, however, McLaren had made a remarkable recovery, thanks in part to the leadership of Andrea Stella, who was appointed team principal ahead of the 2023 season. Under his guidance, McLaren achieved its best performance since 2012, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri securing six race victories between them.

Another strong contender for the best team principal of 2024 is Ayumu Komatsu, who took over as Haas’ team principal at the end of 2023. His leadership saw Haas finish seventh in the Constructors’ Championship with 58 points, their best result since 2018. Komatsu’s efforts helped Haas make significant strides, showcasing his ability to improve a team that had previously been in the lower half of the standings.

Fred Vasseur also had a standout year, leading Ferrari back into title contention after several years of struggle. Under Vasseur’s direction, Ferrari came incredibly close to securing their first title since 2008, falling short by just 11 points. Vasseur’s strategic decisions and management of the team played a crucial role in this resurgence. Additionally, Vasseur managed to secure the services of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season, a major coup for Ferrari as they look to build on their progress.

Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, is always a strong candidate for such awards. In 2024, his team secured four victories, their best performance since the 2021 season. Wolff’s steady leadership continues to keep Mercedes competitive, even as they face challenges from rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari. Mercedes’ improvements throughout the season showed Wolff’s ability to adapt and steer the team through a period of transition.

Lastly, Christian Horner remains a key figure in the discussion, thanks to Red Bull’s continued dominance. Under his leadership, the team provided Max Verstappen with a championship-winning car once again, enabling him to secure yet another title. Horner’s ability to maintain Red Bull’s level of excellence and ensure that Verstappen remained at the top of his game is a testament to his leadership and vision.

As the 2024 season draws to a close, the debate over the best team principal of the year is heating up, with several deserving candidates having made a significant impact on their respective teams. The winner of this prestigious award will be determined through a fan vote, and it’s clear that there were many standout performances from team principals throughout the year.