Hamilton crowned F1 champion in SHOCK result
In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton has been named the best non-champion driver of 2024 in GPFans’ end-of-year awards, despite having one of his most challenging seasons in recent memory. While Max Verstappen continued his dominance in the F1 world, securing another drivers’ championship and helping his team finish third in the constructors’ standings, Hamilton’s performance stood out to fans for reasons other than championship glory.
Hamilton, in his final year with Mercedes, managed to secure two Grand Prix victories, ending a winless drought that had stretched over a year. However, despite these victories, he could only manage a seventh-place finish in the drivers’ standings, trailing his teammate George Russell. Despite the underwhelming overall results, Hamilton’s resilience and experience won over fans, as he claimed 42 percent of the vote in GPFans’ poll for the best non-champion driver. This recognition comes just as Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, where he hopes to challenge for the elusive eighth world title, joining forces with Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc, who finished third in the poll, had a strong 2024 campaign, claiming three victories, which matched his career-best tally. His performances were instrumental in Ferrari’s resurgence, helping the team regain championship relevance. Leclerc received 12 percent of the votes in the poll, showcasing the admiration for his driving and the potential he brings to Ferrari. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris, who had an impressive season battling Verstappen for the title, finished second in the poll with 36 percent of the vote. Norris claimed multiple podiums throughout the season and showed consistency, even though he fell short of clinching the championship. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, who secured his first-ever victory in 2024, garnered only three percent of the vote.
Hamilton’s unexpected victory in the poll has sparked discussion, especially given McLaren’s success in winning the constructors’ title for the first time since 1998. Despite the team’s accomplishments, neither Norris nor Piastri could top Hamilton’s recognition. In the final tally, Norris was the runner-up, while Piastri and others like Carlos Sainz and George Russell received minimal votes, highlighting the surprising nature of Hamilton’s triumph in the poll. As he transitions to Ferrari, Hamilton’s legacy continues to grow, even if his 2024 season was not one of his finest.
