The 2024 Formula 1 constructors’ championship witnessed an intense battle, with McLaren and Ferrari vying for the title until the very last race in Abu Dhabi. McLaren entered the crucial weekend leading with 640 points, edging out Ferrari by 21 points. Meanwhile, reigning champions Red Bull were out of contention following the Qatar Grand Prix.
Last Lap Drama: McLaren Clinches Title
The tension escalated in Abu Dhabi as McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched victory, leading Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc to secure the team’s first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. This achievement marks the team’s triumphant return to the pinnacle of the sport, edging Ferrari by just 14 points and leaving Red Bull in third, trailing by 77 points.
Red Bull’s initial dominance in the season made their fall more surprising. They won seven of the first ten races only to lose ground mid-season due to strategic and developmental advancements by McLaren and Ferrari.
Ferrari’s Historical Dominance
Ferrari holds the record for the most constructors’ titles with 16 championships, nearly double those of McLaren and Williams. Ferrari’s maiden crown came in 1961, dominating the season by winning five of eight races. Despite a competitive field including Lotus, the ‘156’ car, piloted by drivers like Phil Hill, proved invincible.
Ferrari continued its title-winning form into the next few decades, prominently during the Michael Schumacher era from 1999 to 2004. They managed an unprecedented six consecutive victories—a record until Mercedes bested it with eight from 2014 to 2021.
The Tough 2024 Season
McLaren’s victory in 2024 disrupts historical trends, marking their first title in 26 years. Red Bull was a strong contender early in the season but couldn’t maintain their edge. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s duo of Sainz and Leclerc were pivotal drivers who ensured their teams stayed competitive.
Why Constructor Titles Matter More Than Ever
The Constructors’ Championship is crucial in F1 because it significantly impacts team finances. Prize money from this championship dictates the financial health of the teams more than the Drivers’ Championship.
For instance, Red Bull’s failure to secure the 2024 constructors title due to teammate performances means a $20 million loss, emphasizing how each position impacts a team’s budget and future developments.
Prize Money Distribution: How Teams Fare Financially
Financial rewards in F1 are not evenly distributed. Historic teams like Ferrari receive additional funds for their long-standing presence. In contrast, team performance largely determines prize money payouts. F1’s profit split gives teams a 50% share, adjusted by factors like historical significance and success. In 2024, McLaren topped the financial standings, earning an estimated $140 million in prize money.
The distribution for the 2024 season reflects teams’ standings, with McLaren at the top. Conversely, teams like Sauber, finishing last, would earn significantly less, illustrating the financial chasm created by performance on the grid.
Looking Forward
The 2024 season’s outcome showcases how competitive and unpredictable Formula 1 has become, especially with a shift in dominance from Red Bull to McLaren. Such fluctuations promise an exciting 2025 season, with teams likely to push boundaries even further.
One can only guess how teams will learn from 2024’s outcomes to devise new strategies, address weaknesses, and challenge the reigning title holders, potentially leading to another thrilling championship race.
