Here's A Roundup Of Everything That Happened In Formula 1 This Year In Case You Missed It
Major wins, big losses, and the Halo.
Published for PETRONAS, 07 Dec 2018, 04:22 PM
1. This has been the closest season in the last decade and we loved it!
Unlike recent seasons where Mercedes has clearly dominated, Ferrari came back this year with a better, faster, and more competitive race car. The battle for the championship was tight, with all eyes on Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Sebastien Vettel.
It was a season of stunning performances, unfortunate errors, and fantastic team strategies!
2. Vettel took the early advantage with a win at the Australian GP, despite Hamilton starting at pole position
Vettel's opening victory of the season got Ferrari fans excited, especially after he followed it with another win at Bahrain. It was Ferrari's strongest start to an F1 season since 2004.
3. But of course, Hamilton fought back, winning back-to-back in Azerbaijan and Spain
It was a super close fight throughout the season. Vettel came back after round 10 when he took the crown at the British GP, leading the standings with 171 points to Hamilton's 163.
4. Vettel's dramatic crash out of his home race at the German GP would be the turning point of the entire season
Vettel lost his lead on the Brit after crashing out in Hockenheim, giving Hamilton the win in Germany. Hamilton took a 17 point lead ahead of Vettel and never looked back.
5. The controversial implementation of the Halo
The Halo is a titanium structure wrapped in carbon fibre above the driver's head. After eight years of research into cockpit protection, the implementation of the Halo in all cars was made mandatory. Despite the safety advantages, the Halo was met with negativity with teams, drivers, and fans questioning its design and necessity.
6. Critics were silenced after the Halo saved the life of Charles Leclerc during a horrific crash at the Belgian GP
Drivers praised the Halo after a first corner crash at Spa. Nico Hulkenberg got his front wheels locked, sending Fernando Alonso's McLaren flying over the top of Charles Leclerc's Sauber. Severe damage to Leclerc's Halo is being lauded as proof that it will save lives.
7. When Hamilton shared the podium with Bottas and offered to trade trophies following a controversial win in Russia
Hamilton started second on the grid and took a controversial win in Sochi after Mercedes ordered his teammate Valtteri Bottas to allow the Brit to overtake him in lap 25 of 53. Hamilton extended his lead on Vettel while Bottas finished in second place.
F1 fans applauded Hamilton for inviting Bottas to the top of the podium and offering to give him the first place trophy. Bottas declined but remained on the podium.
8. Two-time champion, Fernando Alonso, announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the season
The McLaren driver had enjoyed successful spells at Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari - but has now decided to call it a day with F1. Alonso is looking to broaden his horizons in motorsports.
9. Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen bid Ferrari farewell to return to Sauber
Ferrari announced Kimi Raikkonen would be leaving the team at the end of the season following six years in two different spells at Scuderia.
10. Kimi had a historic win at the US Grand Prix when he ended his losing streak of 113 races
After five years and 113 races of not winning, Kimi Raikkonen emerged as the champion of the US Grand Prix, breaking the record of the longest time between two wins.
11. With Kimi leaving Ferrari, Leclerc got promoted to the big-time
At just 20 years of age and with just a few months of Formula 1 experience, Ferrari announced that rookie Charles Leclerc would be lining up at Ferrari from 2019 onwards next to Sebastian Vettel.
12. It looks like the Dutch Grand Prix is making a comeback after 30 years
Dutch prince Bernhard of Oranje, who owns the Zandvoort circuit told Dutch press that the Grand Prix is close to being agreed for the 2020 season!
13. Of course, Lewis Hamilton won his fifth Driver's Championship Title during the Mexican Grand Prix
Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP but all eyes were on Hamilton as his fourth position across the finish line was enough to seal the world title. The British driver now equals Juan Manuel Fangio's tally of five world titles and is just two world championships away from Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles!
14. And Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS secured their fifth consecutive F1 Constructors' Championship
The Silver Arrows wrapped up their fifth consecutive team title at the Brazilian GP. Strengthening their position at the top of the sport, Mercedes have won five drivers' and constructors' title doubles in a row, matching Ferrari's run from 2000 to 2004.