The conclusion of the Monaco Grand Prix just this past week marks the end of a remarkable 3 race stretch in May for the 2024 Formula 1 season. This month has embodied F1 heritage, pulling the viewers in and providing classic formula racing entertainment. On top of the stunning on-track displays from the racing series’ best drivers, the world of Formula 1 is buzzing with significant developments that are shaping the future of the sport.
Adrian Newey, long-time legendary Red Bull Chief Technical whose innovations have been pivotal to Red Bull Racing’s success, has announced his departure from the team, marking the end of an era. Amidst this bombshell announcement, the racing circuit has witnessed some thrilling victories: Lando Norris clinched his first race win, and Charles Leclerc triumphed in his home Grand Prix in Monaco, a win that was both emotional and historic for the Monegasque driver. However, these exciting moments are juxtaposed with growing discontent among fans and critics alike, leading to increased calls for the iconic Monaco Grand Prix to be removed from the Formula 1 calendar. As the sport navigates these transformative times, the implications for teams, drivers, and fans are profound and far-reaching, with many believing that Formula One may be entering a new era in the paddock.
May 1: Adrian Newey’s Announced Departure
Wild hysteria among the F1 fans ensued in the days prior to the Miami Grand Prix as many began to speculate where Adrian Newey may end up following his surprising announcement of his departure from Red Bull Racing. Adrian Newey’s tenure at Red Bull Racing has been nothing short of legendary, characterized by a series of triumphs that have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest minds in Formula 1. Joining Red Bull in 2006, Newey brought with him a wealth of experience and an innovative approach to car design that quickly transformed the team’s fortunes.
Under Newey’s technical leadership, Red Bull Racing ascended to the pinnacle of Formula 1, achieving an unprecedented level of success. His revolutionary designs led to Red Bull securing four consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2010 to 2013. Newey has also seemingly managed to usher Red Bull Racing into a second golden era, helping the Austrian racing outfit to the Constructors’ Championship in each of the last two seasons. Newey’s brilliance lay in his ability to seamlessly blend aerodynamics with mechanical design, creating cars that were not only fast but also exceptionally reliable. The RB6, RB7, RB8, and RB9 are all testament to his genius, each car pushing the boundaries of performance and setting new benchmarks in the sport.
Newey’s impact extended beyond just the hardware. His vision and leadership fostered a culture of excellence and relentless pursuit of perfection within the team. His departure from Red Bull marks the end of an era, but his legacy of innovation, dedication, and championship glory will forever be etched in the annals of Formula 1 history. With all of that taken into account, it is understandable why this departure has caused such a fuss within the world of racing and why all of the top racing outfits are currently attempting to secure his signature.
May 5: The Miami Grand Prix
Lando Norris achieved a landmark victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, clinching his first-ever Formula 1 win and delivering a significant triumph for McLaren. The race was eventful, with Norris initially trailing Max Verstappen of Red Bull. The turning point occurred during a Safety Car period caused by a collision between Logan Sargeant and Kevin Magnussen. This allowed Norris to make a strategic pit stop with minimal time loss. Following the restart, Norris stayed ahead of Verstappen, who made a minor mistake, enabling Norris to extend his lead. He maintained a strong pace to finish 7.6 seconds ahead of Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc taking third place.
While this may seem like a routine race win for a driver pushing into his prime years, this win marked the first of Lando’s already solid Formula One career. Prior to this race win, Lando Norris achieved an incredible 16 podiums in F1 without reaching the coveted first position, the most in F1 history without a win. For the Brit, the task seemed insurmountable for much of his career, almost as if an unseen force was preventing success. Numerous times, when in a position to finally take his maiden win, the McLaren driver found himself in trouble for which he could hardly be at fault. Surprising changes to weather, untimely safety cars, and overall poor strategy finally evaded a deserving Norris this time around, making way for an exciting and relief-filled day in Miami.
A top-notch display of racing with an efficient strategy allowed Lando to run a relatively quiet Miami Grand Prix. This victory, coming in Norris’s 110th race, highlighted his determination and the advancements McLaren had made to their car. The McLaren team, under the leadership of Zak Brown, celebrated this long-awaited victory with enthusiasm, marking their first win since 2021.
May 26: The Monaco Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc’s triumphant victory at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix shattered a 93-year “curse” for Monegasque drivers, making him the first native of Monaco to win the prestigious race since 1931. Leclerc, who had previously started from pole position at Monaco twice but failed to capitalize on those opportunities, dominated the race from start to finish. This victory was especially poignant as it marked his first win since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix and fulfilled his lifelong dream of winning on his home streets.
Similar to Lando Norris, Leclerc found himself in many problematic situations within the Monaco Grand Prix itself in previous years, with the Monegasque driver hardly at fault for most of the downfalls he experienced at this circuit. He was the unfortunate victim of the poor strategy of the Ferrari racing team and ended up losing out on a chance to win in years prior due to a combination of poor pit stops, bad radio calls from the team, and the general ignorance of the Ferrari team when it came to any race strategy at all. However, Leclerc fought through all of these previous iterations of the race and finally found the form at the right time to win this all-significant race for him.
The race itself was not without drama, featuring an early red flag due to a multi-car collision involving Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hulkenberg. This early incident allowed the drivers to head into the pits for their only mandatory stop, eliminating the need for further pit stops and allowing Leclerc to hold the advantage he earned throughout the earlier portion of the race. Leclerc maintained his composure and led through the restart, comfortably holding off his challengers. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second, while Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz secured third place.
Leclerc’s victory was celebrated with great emotion, particularly by Monaco’s royal family. Prince Albert II was visibly moved during the prize-giving ceremony, highlighting the significance of this achievement for both Leclerc and Monaco. This win not only boosted Leclerc’s position in the championship standings but also brought immense pride to the principality, underscoring the hometown hero’s remarkable achievement.
May 27: Increased Calls for Monaco to be Removed
Although the debate surrounding whether Monaco should be removed from the Formula One calendar has been a contentious one for years, this year truly showcased the poor quality of the Monaco street circuit when it comes to running races using F1 cars. Due to this, the ever-divisive debate has really taken on new life, with a new surge of fans pushing for the historic race to be dropped. A number of factors, many from the race this year, have been presented and propelled around throughout the aftermath of this year’s running of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Lack of Overtaking Opportunities:
This has always been one of the largest arguments for removing the Grand Prix from the calendar. The tight and narrow streets of Monaco make overtaking extremely difficult. Unlike many other circuits, there are very few opportunities for drivers to pass each other, leading to processional races where the starting grid often determines the finishing positions. However, for the first time ever, this year’s race saw the top 10 on the grid at the beginning of the race finish in the exact same place. Unsurprisingly, this year, the race only saw four total overtakes from start to finish, a mark of relatively unexciting and stale racing.
Safety Troubles:
Monaco’s circuit is one of the most dangerous in Formula 1. The close proximity of the barriers to the track means that even minor mistakes by drivers can result in serious accidents. Safety standards have improved significantly over the years, but the risk to drivers remains high compared to other circuits.
Outdated Facilities:
While Monaco has a rich history and tradition in Formula 1, some argue that its facilities have become outdated compared to other modern circuits. The paddock area is cramped, and there is limited space for teams and spectators. Additionally, the infrastructure around the circuit may not be able to handle the demands of a modern Grand Prix.
Artificial Nature of Racing:
Critics argue that the unique nature of the Monaco circuit means that success in the race is often determined more by factors such as qualifying performance and track position rather than pure racing skill. As a result, some believe that the race does not always showcase the true talents of the drivers and teams.
However, it’s important to note that Monaco also has many supporters who appreciate its unique character and history in Formula 1. Its glamorous location, iconic corners, and prestigious status as one of the most famous races on the calendar are all factors that contribute to its lasting attraction. Ultimately, the decision to remove Monaco from the Formula 1 calendar would be a complex one, balancing the concerns raised above with the tradition and heritage associated with the race. It will be interesting to see how this dispute plays out, however, as each year it seems more and more fans actively choose to support its exit.
As Formula One navigates these transformative times, one thing remains certain: the allure of the sport endures, drawing fans in with its blend of history, drama, and excitement. As we look ahead to the remainder of the season and beyond, the only constant in Formula 1 is change, and it is this dynamism that continues to fuel its unremitting appeal.
