By ZECH YODER
With the conclusion of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP, we close the book on the 2024 auto racing season. Across the three major forms of auto racing, 2024 brought us three multi-time champions: Max Verstappen in Formula 1 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024); Alex Palou in INDYCAR (2021, 2023, 2024); and Joey Logano (2018, 2022, 2024). While the respective 2024 champions were not surprising, how they claimed their titles was.
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At the beginning of 2024, it was almost a forgone conclusion that Max Verstappen would win his fourth Formula 1 World Championship. He had three consecutive titles, and Red Bull was coming off the most dominant season in Formula 1 history, winning 21 of the 22 races (Verstappen won a record 19 of the 22 races).
The beginning of 2024 looked like a continuation of 2023. Verstappen won seven of the first 10 races and jump out to a significant led in points. But midway through the season, the performance of the Red Bull dropped and Lando Norris and McLaren became the dominant car. Norris was able to cut into Verstappen’s, reducing the deficit to below 60 points with a handful of races left. However, like he has done his entire career, Verstappen willed his inferior Red Bull to a victory in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a fifth-place finish in Las Vegas, clinching his fourth consecutive title with two races remaining.
The 2024 season was a revelation that Red Bull has lost its competitive edge. While Verstappen is still the best driver in Formula 1, his 2025 championship hope will be diminished with the departure of world-class car designer, Adrian Newey.
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The best driver in INDYCAR is clearly Alex Palou. He proved that once again in 2024 by winning his third championship in four years. His form in 2024 was nearly flawless, though the championship almost slipped through his fingertips after experiencing electrical issues at the second-to-last race of the season at the Milwaukee Mile.
During his championship run over the last several years, Palou has demonstrated consistency and coolness. At 27 years of age, he is only entering the prime of his career. If the past four years are any indication of what is to come, we could see Palou match or even surpass A.J. Foyt (seven) for the most INDYCAR championship of all time.
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Finally, the most unlikely champion of 2024 was Joey Logano. By unlikely champion, I do not mean to suggest that anyone questioned the skill or champion pedigree of Logano.
Entering 2024, Logano was a two-time Cup Series Champion. However, for much of the season, the Fords (Logano is a Ford driver) lacked speed, especially on the intermediate racetracks. Logano had not run well for the first half of the season, and entering the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, Logano was on the playoff bubble. However, brilliant fuel strategy by his crew chief and masterful fuel saving by Logano, propelled him into the playoffs.
After winning a playoff race at Atlanta Motor Speedway and escaping elimination at the Roval, Logano again stretched his fuel at Las Vegas to punch is ticket to the championship round at Phoenix. Much like 2022, Logano held off his teammate and championship rival, Ryan Blaney to claim his 3rd Cup Series title.
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2024 was a great year in motorsport. With significant changes coming to all three major forms of auto racing, I expect 2025 to be even more predictable.
Zech Yoder is a local resident, an attorney at Adler Attorneys in Noblesville, and a lifelong race fan.