Hamilton Crowned F1 Champion in Shock ....

Hamilton Crowned F1 Champion in Shock ….read more

Lewis Hamilton has been crowned the winner of the GPFans’ end-of-year poll in a surprising turn of events. The poll, which asked fans to vote for the best non-champion driver of the 2024 Formula 1 season, has delivered an unexpected result, with Hamilton securing the top spot despite a challenging year.

Throughout the 2024 season, Max Verstappen once again demonstrated his dominance, securing his third consecutive drivers’ title. Verstappen’s impressive performances, backed by his team, Red Bull, allowed him to clinch the championship even though Red Bull finished third in the Constructors’ standings. Verstappen’s exceptional driving and consistency won praise from his fellow competitors and team principals, firmly establishing his position as the driver of the season. However, despite Verstappen’s undeniable success, GPFans’ poll aimed to recognize standout performances from drivers who didn’t win the championship.

One of the most intriguing storylines of the season was the battle for second place in the drivers’ standings. Lando Norris emerged as Verstappen’s closest rival, challenging him throughout the year and finishing as the runner-up in the standings. Norris, alongside his teammate Oscar Piastri, played a crucial role in McLaren’s success. McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998, with both Norris and Piastri taking their maiden Grand Prix victories. However, despite McLaren’s strong showing, neither Norris nor Piastri managed to win the GPFans poll.

The poll results were a shock to many, as Hamilton, who had a notably difficult season, emerged victorious. Despite suffering one of his worst years in Formula 1, Hamilton managed to claim two Grand Prix victories, ending a long win drought that had lasted several months. These victories, while impressive, could not lift him higher than seventh in the final drivers’ standings, behind his younger teammate, George Russell. Hamilton’s struggles were attributed to Mercedes’ lack of competitive pace, which hampered his efforts throughout the year. Nonetheless, fans of the seven-time world champion clearly appreciated his determination and resilience, with Hamilton securing 42% of the vote, making him the surprise winner of the poll.

In his final year with Mercedes, Hamilton found himself facing mounting pressure as the team continued to struggle with pace compared to their rivals. Despite his efforts, he was unable to replicate the dominance he had enjoyed in previous seasons. With his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season now confirmed, Hamilton is hopeful that he can challenge for his elusive eighth World Championship in his new environment. The switch to Ferrari has generated significant excitement, as many see this as Hamilton’s last opportunity to break his championship drought.

Hamilton’s closest challenger in the poll was McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished second with a strong 36% of the vote. Norris had an outstanding season, consistently challenging Verstappen and taking the fight to the defending champion. His performances helped McLaren secure their first Constructors’ Championship in over two decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the most talented drivers on the grid. Norris’ performances in 2024 were exceptional, and many believe that with the right equipment, he could challenge for the title in the future.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate at McLaren, finished with a mere 3% of the vote, despite his own impressive season that saw him secure his first career victory. Piastri’s quiet but solid performances contributed significantly to McLaren’s success, yet he was somewhat overshadowed by the more high-profile Norris. Still, Piastri’s future in Formula 1 looks incredibly bright.

Charles Leclerc, another driver who showed his potential in 2024, rounded out the top three in the poll with 12% of the vote. Leclerc had a strong season, winning three Grand Prix races, his joint-best tally in Formula 1. His performances helped Ferrari return to the championship fight, although the team ultimately fell short in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Leclerc’s consistency and pace throughout the season earned him praise, and many fans believe that with a little more luck, he could have been a serious title contender.

Carlos Sainz, Leclerc’s teammate at Ferrari, finished with 4% of the vote, while George Russell, who finished ahead of Hamilton in the standings, managed just 3% of the vote.

In summary, despite a tough year, Lewis Hamilton’s two victories and determination were enough to secure him the top spot in the GPFans poll. Lando Norris’ strong season with McLaren earned him second place, while Charles Leclerc’s impressive performances for Ferrari saw him finish third. With a move to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton’s fans will be hoping for a more successful season as he seeks to make history with an eighth World Championship title.