In a rare and historic twist for Formula 1, the 2024 season marks only the 12th time in the sport's history that the Drivers' Champion does not drive for the constructor that won the Constructors' Championship. This extraordinary situation adds a unique chapter to the record books, as Max Verstappen, who claimed his fourth consecutive World Championship, races for Red Bull, while McLaren emerged victorious in the Constructors' battle after a 26-year drought.
The 12 Historic Occurrences
This anomaly of a champion diverging from their constructor’s title-winning team is a rare occurrence in F1. Here is a rundown of the 12 instances when the Drivers' Champion was not aligned with the Constructors' Champion:
1. 2024 – McLaren won the Constructor Championship, while Max Verstappen from Red Bull clinched the Drivers' Championship.
2. 2021 – Mercedes took the Constructor Championship, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Drivers' title.
3. 2008 – Ferrari triumphed in the Constructors' Championship, while Lewis Hamilton from McLaren won the Drivers' title.
4. 1999 – Ferrari secured the Constructors' Championship, while Mika Häkkinen from McLaren won the Drivers' title.
5. 1994 – Williams took the Constructor Championship, while Michael Schumacher from Benetton claimed the Drivers' title.
6. 1986 – Williams clinched the Constructor Championship, while Alain Prost from McLaren won the Drivers' title.
7. 1983 – Ferrari won the Constructors’ title, while Nelson Piquet from Brabham claimed the Drivers' title.
8. 1982 – Ferrari dominated the Constructors' Championship, while Keke Rosberg from Williams won the Drivers’ Championship.
9. 1981 – Williams secured the Constructor Championship, while Nelson Piquet from Brabham clinched the Drivers' Championship.
10. 1976 – Ferrari triumphed in the Constructors’ Championship, while James Hunt from McLaren won the Drivers' title.
11. 1973 – Lotus secured the Constructor Championship, while Jackie Stewart from Elf won the Drivers’ title.
12. 1958 – Vanwall claimed the Constructors' Championship, while Mike Hawthorn from Ferrari took the Drivers' title.
Verstappen's Unstoppable 2024 Season
In 2024, Max Verstappen continued to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the best drivers in Formula 1 history. Despite a challenging start to the season, including a penalty for impeding Mercedes' George Russell during qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen's performance remained dominant. He went on to secure his fourth consecutive World Championship and claimed victory in Qatar, further extending his lead atop the driver standings.
Although Red Bull's stellar performance this season was undeniable, McLaren's return to prominence, clinching the Constructors' Championship, signified a remarkable shift in the sport. Verstappen’s incredible skill and consistency in the driver standings ensured that the Constructors' title was not a direct reflection of his own success.
Ferrari's Heartbreak and McLaren’s Historic Win
While Ferrari’s performance this year showed significant promise, it wasn’t enough to clinch the Constructors' Championship. The team’s push was thwarted by McLaren’s resurgence, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivering standout performances throughout the season. McLaren's first Constructors' Championship win in 26 years was a historic achievement, with Norris securing the title in the final race at Abu Dhabi, holding off strong challenges from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
Norris, reflecting on the season, shared, “It feels incredible. Not for myself but for the whole team. They have done an amazing job from where we were at the beginning.” McLaren's achievement marks a monumental step in the team's journey, proving that they could once again compete at the highest level of Formula 1.
Ferrari’s Legacy and McLaren’s Revival
Ferrari, the most successful team in F1 history with 16 Constructors’ titles, has long been a symbol of speed, passion, and excellence in motorsport. However, 2024 was a season of near-miss heartbreak for them. Despite strong performances and competitive racing, Ferrari couldn't secure the Constructors' Championship. Their second-place finish in the final race, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finishing second and third, fell short of McLaren’s points haul.
In contrast, McLaren's victory after a long drought demonstrates their resilience and capability to return to the top. Their win not only signifies their revival but also a new era in F1, where they have proven that they can compete against the might of Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull.