Lewis Hamilton crowned F1 champion in shock result…….read more
In a surprising outcome, Lewis Hamilton has been named the winner of the 2024 GPFans “Best Non-Champion Driver of the Year” award, despite experiencing one of his toughest seasons in recent years. The poll, which gathered votes from fans on various categories, aimed to spotlight drivers who had noteworthy performances without claiming the championship.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, dominated the 2024 season, securing his third consecutive title. His remarkable form earned him praise from team principals and rivals alike. Although Verstappen’s Red Bull team finished third in the constructors’ standings, the Dutch driver was widely considered the best of the year. With that in mind, GPFans asked fans to vote for the best driver who didn’t win the championship, and the results were quite unexpected.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who both enjoyed standout seasons, were considered among the frontrunners. Norris fought fiercely for the title, finishing second in the drivers’ championship, and both McLaren drivers celebrated their first-ever race victories. McLaren also clinched the constructors’ title for the first time since 1998. However, despite these achievements, neither Norris nor Piastri won the fan poll. Norris came second with 36% of the vote, while Piastri received just 3%.
In a surprising twist, Lewis Hamilton emerged as the victor of the poll, securing 42% of the vote. Despite a difficult 2024 campaign, the 39-year-old Mercedes driver won over fans with his resilience. Hamilton endured one of his most challenging seasons, finishing a disappointing seventh in the drivers’ standings, behind his teammate George Russell. However, he managed to claim two grand prix victories, marking his return to winning form after a long drought. Hamilton’s ability to remain competitive despite the odds earned him widespread admiration, particularly as he prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in search of an eighth world championship title.
Charles Leclerc, another fan favorite, finished third in the poll, garnering 12% of the vote. The Ferrari driver had a strong season in 2024, securing three victories, his best tally in years, and played a key role in helping Ferrari return to contention for the championship. Leclerc’s consistent performance and the improved form of Ferrari boosted his standing among fans.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz and George Russell received lower amounts of support, with Sainz claiming 4% of the vote and Russell finishing with just 3%. As Hamilton prepares to move to Ferrari, the stage is set for an exciting 2025 season, with many hoping the seven-time world champion will finally achieve that elusive eighth title.
