BREAKING : F1 AWARDS - VOTE: Who was the unsung hero in 2024?

F1 AWARDS – VOTE: Who was the unsung hero in 2024?

Max Verstappen dominated the 2024 Formula 1 season, effortlessly clinching the championship with nine victories, even in a struggling RB20 car. Despite his standout performances, several drivers and team members played crucial, though often overlooked, roles throughout the season, making significant contributions under tough circumstances.

One such figure was Ollie Bearman, who made a series of impressive stand-ins for other drivers. Bearman debuted with Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz was sidelined due to appendicitis. Later in the season, Bearman stepped in for Kevin Magnussen at Haas on two occasions—once when Magnussen was handed a one-race ban and again when he was unwell during the Brazilian GP. These performances were vital for his respective teams, even though Bearman’s contributions went largely under the radar.

Carlos Sainz also deserves recognition as an unsung hero of the 2024 season. Despite undergoing appendix surgery earlier in the year, Sainz made an incredible recovery and went on to claim victory at the Australian Grand Prix. His performance was even more impressive considering the pressure he faced knowing he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025. Sainz’s ability to stay focused and continue delivering top-tier results for Ferrari, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, solidified his place as one of the unsung heroes of the season.

Another team that stood out for their resilience was Williams. The team endured a particularly challenging year, with drivers Logan Sargeant, Alex Albon, and Franco Colapinto all suffering several significant crashes that caused extensive damage to their cars. The Williams mechanics, however, showed remarkable dedication and skill in repairing these cars and ensuring the team stayed competitive despite these setbacks. Their tireless work under pressure went unnoticed by many but was integral to the team’s ability to recover quickly and maintain a presence on the grid.

The performance of Lando Norris’ race engineer, Will Joseph, also exemplified the kind of behind-the-scenes excellence that often goes unappreciated. Joseph played a pivotal role during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he urged Norris to relinquish the lead to his teammate, Oscar Piastri. Several emotional radio exchanges between Joseph and Norris ultimately led to the right decision being made, helping McLaren maintain team harmony and ensuring that the team’s internal relationships remained strong. Joseph’s handling of this delicate situation was a testament to the professionalism that underpins the success of any top team.

In conclusion, while Max Verstappen was undoubtedly the hero of the season, the unsung heroes like Ollie Bearman, Carlos Sainz, the Williams mechanics, and Will Joseph all made crucial contributions that were key to the success of their teams in 2024. Their efforts may not have garnered the same headlines, but they were instrumental in shaping the season’s outcomes.