A look back at the drivers of the day for the 2024 F1 season

Inaugurated in 2016, the Driver of the Day trophy rewards the driver who delivered the best performance in the race, as determined by an online vote on the official Formula 1 website.

In 2024, it is Lando Norris, the main rival of Max Verstappen in racing, who was the most popular among fans. The Briton has won this distinction seven times, including twice for his victories.

For his part, Max Verstappen is experiencing a situation similar to that of Lewis Hamilton at the peak of his domination: less recognition in terms of Driver of the Day trophies despite his numerous victories. The Dutchman, however, was praised for his performance at the São Paulo Grand Prix, in treacherous conditions. In total, nine drivers have been rewarded this season.

Lando Norris

Already last year, he had established himself as the favorite among voters with five trophies. Bis repetita this season, with seven trophies. The McLaren driver was voted Driver of the Day in China, Miami, Imola, Canada, Spain, Austria, and the Netherlands. The Briton is very popular for his personality but also for his driving, which has been solid this season. He finishes second in the World Drivers’ Championship, not far behind Max Verstappen.

2. Charles Leclerc

In second place, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, who has achieved three victories this season (Monaco, Monza, Austin), was named Driver of the Day five times. It was in Japan, Monaco, Monza, Austin, and Abu Dhabi. He surpasses his teammate, who is in third place.

3. Carlos Sainz

For his final season with Ferrari, the Spaniard has distinguished himself three times this season, with two race wins. It was in Bahrain, Australia, and Mexico. His victory in Australia was impressive, having undergone an appendectomy only two weeks prior. After the race, he declared: « Life is sometimes crazy. »

4. Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time world champion had a complicated season in his final year with Mercedes. Nevertheless, he managed to show that he was still far from retirement. He is tied with Carlos Sainz, whom he will also replace at Ferrari, with three trophies. It was in Great Britain for his home victory, in Belgium, and in Las Vegas.

5. Oscar Piastri

Two wins this season for Oscar Piastri, a solid teammate of Lando Norris, in Hungary and then in Azerbaijan. He has shown that he is capable of winning and fighting alongside the Briton.

6. Ollie Bearman

For his incredible weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he scored his first points in F1 after stepping in last minute for an unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari. The young Briton will drive for Haas in 2025 as a rookie.

7. Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo was voted Driver of the Day at the Singapore Grand Prix. A symbolic title as the Australian was experiencing his last moments in F1, after more than ten years in the top category.

8. Max Verstappen

The incredible comeback of Max Verstappen, who started 15th on the grid, was rewarded by the public, who named him Driver of the Day for the first and only time this year. The weekend had been marked by rain and challenging racing conditions.

9. Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu enabled the Sauber team to score its first points of the season at the end of a spectacular race in Qatar. Patient and strategic, the Chinese driver, long battling at the edge of the top 10, managed to take advantage of a series of favorable events to climb to eighth place, which he maintained until the finish.

Of the seven Grand Prix-winning drivers in 2024, only George Russell (who won in Austria and Las Vegas) was not elected as Driver of the Day.