Hamilton's Ferrari dream is OVER' - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hot Takes

Hamilton’s Ferrari dream is OVER’ – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hot Takes…..read more

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the thrilling conclusion of the Formula 1 season, with McLaren and Lando Norris emerging as the big winners, clinching the constructors’ championship. Meanwhile, Ferrari, who had fought hard toward the end of the season, were left disappointed when a deleted lap time for Charles Leclerc handed the title to their rivals. Despite a strong push by Ferrari, it was McLaren’s consistency that ultimately prevailed, securing them the coveted championship.

The race itself was filled with drama and intrigue, starting with an unexpected collision between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri on the opening lap. Verstappen, who was at fault for the incident, was given a 10-second penalty. However, the reigning world champion was not pleased about having to serve it, highlighting his frustration with the stewards’ decision. Verstappen’s antics, including his ongoing criticisms of officials and other drivers, further cemented his role as F1’s most controversial figure. His performance at the Abu Dhabi GP, while solid, continued his reputation as the sport’s “man yelling at cloud,” a fitting title for the dominant yet frequently irritable champion.

Adding to the chaos, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, had a disastrous race. Perez spun off early in the race and was forced to retire, marking a forgettable end to his season. This mishap highlighted the unpredictability of the Abu Dhabi GP, where fortunes could change in an instant.

In contrast, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delivered an outstanding performance. Starting from the back of the grid after a disappointing qualifying session, Leclerc fought his way through the field to finish third, a drive that was widely regarded as the standout of the race. Leclerc’s impressive performance solidified his position as one of the sport’s top talents and reinforced his superiority over Mercedes’ George Russell. For many, this race was a glimpse into the future, particularly with the upcoming pairing of Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. While Hamilton’s time at Mercedes has been filled with success, his future at Ferrari now looks more uncertain, with Leclerc’s impressive abilities potentially overshadowing him as the team’s number one driver.

The race also served as a reminder of the significance of each position in the championship standings. The ongoing battle for sixth place in the drivers’ championship was one of the subplots of the weekend, with teams and drivers scrambling for every possible point. Verstappen’s collision with Piastri, while frustrating for the two drivers involved, added an extra layer of drama to the season finale. Had it not been for that incident, the race might have lacked the excitement and jeopardy that made it so memorable.

The 2024 season, the longest in F1 history, had its ups and downs. With 1,500 laps of racing, countless practice sessions, and qualifying rounds, the season had at times felt grueling. However, the final race at Yas Marina Circuit was anything but dull. Verstappen’s collision with Piastri kicked off a chain reaction of on-track incidents, including spins, penalties, and aggressive racing. These moments brought the race to life and ensured that the Abu Dhabi GP would go down as one of the more entertaining endings to a season in recent memory.

As for Verstappen’s status as the best driver on the grid, that remains a topic of debate. While there are many who would argue that Verstappen’s dominance this season places him at the top, others may contest his ranking, pointing to his occasional lack of sportsmanship and his tendency to rant against officials and competitors. Regardless of how one views his driving abilities, there’s no denying that Verstappen has become the central figure in Formula 1, the sport’s protagonist in every sense of the word.

Looking ahead to 2025, the conversation about Ferrari’s future and the potential for a Hamilton-Leclerc pairing will continue to captivate fans. For now, however, the 2024 season has come to a close with McLaren’s historic win, Verstappen’s continued prominence, and Leclerc’s rise as a serious contender for future championships. The off-season may be just beginning, but the anticipation for the next chapter in Formula 1 has already begun.