The 2024 Formula 1 season has officially come to a close. The awards for the winners of the Formula 1 season were presented on Friday evening during the annual FIA gala. This year’s event was held in Rwanda, Africa, and not only was four-time world champion Max Verstappen honored, but second-place Lando Norris and third-place Charles Leclerc also received their awards. McLaren claimed the constructors’ trophy for the first time since 1998.
In addition, there was also recognition for the champions of Formula 2 and Formula 3, as well as from other motorsports, such as karting and rallying.
Evening Begins with Karting Champions
The evening kicked off with the youngest winners of the season: the karting champions. Lando Norris, who himself took home the prize in 2014, presented the trophy to FIA Karting World Champion Kenzo Craigie, and then took a selfie with Craigie and fellow champions Ethan Jeff-Hall and Giussepe Palomba.
Max Verstappen Presents Formula 2 Prize
Max Verstappen had the honor of stepping onto the stage earlier in the evening to present the Formula 2 prize to Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian won the championship of the feeder series after a spectacular finale in Abu Dhabi, beating out close competitor Isack Hadjar.
From Formula 2 Champion to Formula 1 Debut
Bortoleto won’t have much time to bask in the glory of his Formula 2 title. The Brazilian is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Sauber next season, becoming teammates with Nico Hülkenberg.
Red Bull Junior and Estonian Driver Receive Awards
Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar (right) and Estonian driver Paul Aron (left) were also honored, receiving their second and third prizes respectively. Rumors are circulating that Hadjar could potentially make his way to Formula 1 by 2025.
Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet enjoy the gala event from the front row. The couple is expecting their first child together (Getty Images).
Just like in Formula 2, the top three of the championship in Formula 1 are also celebrated. Charles Leclerc finished in third place, eighteen points behind second place Lando Norris (Getty Images).
Lando Norris receives the second place prize in the drivers’ championship for the first time. The Brit had an extremely successful season, and also won his first four Grand Prix (Getty Images).
For Norris’ team, McLaren, it was a s
McLaren’s Successful Season
The Woking-based team, McLaren, celebrated a triumphant season, clinching the constructors’ title for the first time since 1998. Team boss Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown were honored to receive the trophy.
McLaren ultimately secured the title with 666 points, fourteen points ahead of second-place Ferrari. Lando Norris contributed four victories, while his teammate Oscar Piastri added two more to the team’s tally.
Highlight of the Evening
The evening culminated with the presentation of the most prestigious award. The trophy for the winner of the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship was bestowed upon Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was proud to accept this honor for the fourth time, joining an illustrious group of champions.
