Formula 1 drivers – 2024 season
We will tell you everything you need to know about the backstory of all drivers from the 2024 Formula 1 season here! All drivers will be reviewed individually.
Biography
His name is Max, and his nature embodies the essence of maximum.
Emerging onto the Formula 1 scene as the youngest competitor ever, a mere 17-year-old, Verstappen pushed not only his racing machine but also his competitors and the annals of the sport’s history to their very boundaries. Despite his youthful countenance, this Dutchman possessed the heart of a lion, fearlessly seizing control of both Toro Rosso and, subsequently, Red Bull, steering them with an innate racing style that flowed like instinct.
The fledgling contender swiftly transformed into the youngest points earner in F1, later ascending to the throne of the sport’s youngest race victor at the tender age of 18 years and 228 days. In the realms of Barcelona in 2016, he orchestrated an audacious yet controlled debut for Red Bull, capitalizing on opportunity with skill. A true maestro of wheel-to-wheel duels, his prowess shone once more in Brazil, orchestrating a mesmerizing surge from the rear ranks to the podium on a treacherously wet track.
While Verstappen’s uncompromising approach and resolute defence occasionally led him into contentious waters with fellow racers and team leaders, the initial missteps that stained his potential gradually evolved into maturity. The audacious flair and boundless vitality that marked him as an extraordinary talent remained steadfast, bearing fruit in a string of victories. The zenith of his journey arrived with his inaugural F1 drivers’ championship, secured in an already legendary face-off against Lewis Hamilton during the climactic round of 2021.
Hailing from the lineage of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and his rapid-karting mother, Sophie Kumpen, racing prowess courses through his veins. Even as he relocated from his father’s abode to take up residence in Monaco, Verstappen’s familial ties remained strong. While unafraid to voice his convictions, he still harboured a surprising shyness beneath the surface.
As the Netherlands’ first-ever world champion at a mere 24 years of age, the weight of expectations on the burgeoning luminary of the next generation is staggering. Yet, with Verstappen, there lingers a sensation that the boundaries are limitless, and the sky itself merely constitutes a stepping stone.
Biography
He embodies the spirit of a warrior with a gentle finesse, hailing from the realm of Lucha Libre.
Perez’s legacy in the realm of F1 has been forged through divergent approaches to the theatre of Grand Prix racing. On the one hand, he is a tenacious combatant, a forceful contender who grapples his way through the pack, securing his place in the ranks and amassing points. Unafraid to infuse a dash of flair into his on-track skirmishes, even his own teammates occasionally find themselves caught in the intensity of the Mexican’s drive.
On the other side of the spectrum, Perez transforms into a suave strategist, a maestro of tire management who extracts every ounce of performance, utilizing it to his strategic advantage. After stints with Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point, he has endeared himself to the grid, evolving into a thoughtful competitor and a team asset.
As a patriotic compatriot, this sharpshooting native of Guadalajara has accumulated more points than any other Mexican in the annals of F1 history. In the Sakhir Grand Prix of 2020, he etched his name alongside his hero and fellow countryman, Pedro Rodriguez, as they both seized the checkered flag in a triumphant embrace of victory. This virtuoso performance paved his way to a coveted spot within the ranks of title contenders Red Bull.
Within Red Bull’s fold, he offered stalwart support to Max Verstappen’s triumphant pursuit of the 2021 championship, simultaneously adding another glorious victory to his personal tally. While the path to further victories might be uncertain, particularly with Verstappen as his teammate, Perez’s relentless determination and his fervent racing spirit remain unwavering constants.
Biography
Emerging from the enchanting embrace of Monaco’s Mediterranean haven, Leclerc’s debut in F1 was accompanied by a towering surge of anticipation.
Navigating a near-peerless journey to claim both the GP3 and Formula 2 championships, he dazzled with a multifaceted display of skills, seizing scorching pole positions, commanding victories – even when his car ignited twice at Silverstone – and demonstrating the art of weaving through the ranks. His consecutive championship conquests not only adorned him with crowns but also imbued him with the finesse of handling pressure, an invaluable asset in the expansive realm of Formula 1 racing.
Ascending to the F1 stage in 2018, Leclerc exhibited fleeting yet electrifying bursts of speed on Saturdays and exhibited racing brilliance on Sundays. He coerced his Sauber beyond its presumed boundaries, securing for himself an invaluable race seat at Ferrari for 2019 – an opportunity that money alone couldn’t acquire. He stepped into the shoes of Kimi Raikkonen, the Scuderia’s last world champion.
At Ferrari, he promptly stirred the waters, fearlessly locking horns with the established number one, Sebastian Vettel. A maiden F1 triumph at Spa was swiftly followed by another just a week later on the revered home turf of Monza. The Tifosi, Ferrari’s devoted fans, enthusiastically embraced their newfound hero. Moreover, Leclerc achieved a historic feat by outscoring Vettel over a season, a triumph he replicated in resounding fashion the subsequent year.
Off the racetrack, Leclerc emanates humility and contemplation, a demeanor that aligns with his deeply personal mission. This vibrant and promising talent races not only for himself but also for the memory of his late father, Herve, and his friend and mentor, Jules Bianchi, the F1 driver who tragically passed away in 2015.
Based on his performance thus far, he undoubtedly does justice to their legacies.
Biography
He emerges as the Madrid matador of racing lineage.
Having stepped into F1’s Bull Ring as Max Verstappen’s partner at Toro Rosso in 2015, Sainz promptly unveiled his unyielding determination. A fierce competitor, he pushes the car to its limits, manoeuvring with a fiery intensity through the field. Hence, the moniker “Chilli” suits him perfectly.
Yet, beneath his instinctual prowess lies a sharp intellect, guiding him through races to secure valuable points. This composed demeanour extends beyond the track, where he remains unperturbed by the weight of building a Grand Prix career under a renowned name.
Sainz’s lineage is formidable, being the son of a double World Rally champion who shares his namesake. He has artfully woven some of his father’s driving finesse into the fabric of the F1 circuit – a penchant for delightful drifts being one of his trademarks.
Following the tire tracks of his illustrious father, Sainz assumed the monumental task of stepping into significant racing shoes, first at McLaren, where he succeeded his childhood idol Fernando Alonso, and now at Ferrari, sliding into the seat previously occupied by Sebastian Vettel. Living in the shadow of sporting giants is no simple feat, yet Sainz has unfurled the mettle and disposition required to grapple with it. ¡Vamos!
Biography
“Still I Rise” – these words blaze across Lewis Hamilton’s helmet and are etched into his shoulders, a testament to his unwavering spirit. Since his explosive entrance into F1 history in 2007 with one of the most astonishing rookie displays ever witnessed, rising has been his constant refrain. He ascended to the zenith of the all-time pole positions list, surpassing his idol Ayrton Senna. He surged into the lead in the wins column, eclipsing the unparalleled Michael Schumacher. And he achieved parity with the revered German’s seven world titles.
Is he the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T)? Few would dispute his presence in the discussion. Furthermore, he carved his own path, intertwining his relentless velocity with a steadfast refusal to adhere to conventional notions of how racing drivers should think, present themselves, or behave.
Earning respect in the realm of F1 is an arduous feat, but Lewis Hamilton – now bestowed the honour of Sir Lewis Hamilton – commands it from all his fellow competitors. Why? Because they comprehend that regardless of the track, the conditions, or the circumstance, when that visor descends, and the lights extinguish, it’s Hammertime.
Biography
He’s the driver who lives by the motto: “When in doubt, go all out.”
George Russell has embraced this creed throughout his journey in F1, showcasing his mettle by consistently outperforming his seasoned teammate Robert Kubica in all 21 Grand Prix races during his rookie season. His exploits include reinvigorating Williams with a podium finish in 2021 and securing a Mercedes race seat alongside the formidable Lewis Hamilton for 2022.
This blazing foundation of innate speed proved to be Russell’s steadfast ally as he journeyed towards Formula 1 greatness. He clinched the 2017 GP3 championship with an authoritative display and captured the 2018 Formula 2 title under immense pressure, solidifying his ascendancy.
Recognizing his exceptional potential, Mercedes, the reigning world champions, promptly incorporated him into their junior program in 2017. At that time, Russell already had a DTM deal on the table. He garnered further experience through practice sessions with Force India and testing for the Silver Arrows before seizing his chance to drive for Williams powered by Mercedes.
Rooted in his resolute nature and an unwavering commitment to daring overtakes, Russell’s resounding determination underlies his winning mindset. It was this very spirit that led to his standout performance as a stand-in for Lewis Hamilton during the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020 when the reigning champion was sidelined by Covid-19. Russell’s remarkable display saw him narrowly miss out on pole position by a mere 0.026 seconds and then outpace Valtteri Bottas, a seasoned Mercedes stalwart. Only a mishandled pit stop and a heart-wrenching late tire puncture prevented what seemed an almost certain debut victory for the promising substitute.
Throughout 2021, Russell remained focused on Williams, achieving his first points and a podium finish, all while keeping his sights set on the grander goal. Proving himself as an industrious toiler and an unyielding talent, he ultimately secured the chance to go head-to-head against his compatriot and seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton, in equally matched machinery.
A colossal challenge awaits, yet as always, the determined ‘Russell the Rocket’ will be fully committed, unflinchingly adhering to his mantra of all-out effort.
Biography
Lando Norris isn’t named after the Star Wars rebel Lando Calrissian; his Mum simply had a liking for the name. However, he possesses an abundance of both flair and a fighting spirit.
McLaren had been nurturing this British teenager for a span of two years before propelling him into F1’s constellation of stars in 2019. With a dazzling track record in his junior career – marked by a penchant for pole positions and captivating wheel-to-wheel battles – Norris didn’t disappoint.
Teamed up with the highly regarded and considerably more seasoned Carlos Sainz, his inaugural season showcased his mettle. He edged out the Spaniard in their head-to-head qualifying clashes, accumulated points across 11 instances, and narrowly missed securing a spot within the top 10 of the championship standings. This trend continued into 2020, where the amiable Brit secured his maiden podium and ascended to ninth place.
His ascent continued with unrelenting force in 2021, clinching an additional four podium finishes and coming close to a race victory. This impressive performance saw him assert dominance over his more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, as Norris rose to the sixth position in the final driver standings.
On the track, he’s a captivating talent, while off it, Norris exudes a modest charm. An artistic inclination has him crafting and painting his own racing gear as a personal hobby. Looking ahead, his aim is to harmonize this artistry with his competitive ambition on the racecourse, as McLaren places their faith in the potential of youth to guide them back to their former glory.
With aspirations high, Norris envisions the downforce to be in his favour, propelling him toward his goals.
Biography
Though young in age, Oscar Piastri’s prowess on the track commands respect. This Australian driver’s calm and composed demeanour belies his formidable racing aptitude.
Born in Melbourne in 2001, Piastri’s journey ignited within the realm of go-karts before propelling him to car racing in 2016. His swift ascent captured the gaze of the racing fraternity, culminating in his crowning as the Formula Renault Eurocup champion in 2019, having triumphed in seven races along the way.
The subsequent year marked Piastri’s debut in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Concluding the season with two victories and six podium finishes, he clinched third place in the championship rankings. His remarkable performance didn’t escape the notice of the Alpine Academy, leading to his enrollment in their developmental program.
In 2021, Piastri elevated his game by joining Prema Racing for the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Without hesitation, he demonstrated his mettle. Amidst fierce competition, he achieved a rookie year triumph, capturing the championship with two wins and an impressive nine podium finishes.
Before even setting foot in a Formula 1 car, Piastri found himself enmeshed in the F1 “silly season.” His association with Alpine prompted claims of his signing, which was met with a legal threat. However, Piastri’s stance was unequivocal – his aspirations lay with McLaren.
Biography
During the early 2000s, Michael Schumacher unquestionably reigned as the supreme ruler of Formula 1, amassing victories and championships at an unprecedented pace. Challenging this Ferrari legend’s dominion required someone of exceptional calibre – the fact that it was Fernando Alonso who achieved this feat speaks volumes about the Spanish driver.
Exuding an unyielding competitive spirit, Alonso openly acknowledges his talent, rating himself as a 9/10 across the board, a self-assessment that few well-versed individuals would dispute. His performance within the realm of F1 is marked by blazing speed, strategic brilliance, impeccable racecraft, acute attention to detail, and an unwavering determination to seize victory.
A trailblazer from the outset, Alonso held records as F1’s youngest polesitter, race winner, world champion, and double world champion during his early career, amassing triumphs under the banner of the Renault team. However, even Alonso could not perpetuate this remarkable streak in his later journey, as additional titles eluded him despite tenures with McLaren and Ferrari.
Following a two-year hiatus from Formula 1 racing – a period during which he secured two Le Mans victories – Alonso staged his comeback with Alpine in 2021. His return isn’t without a purpose; he possesses unfinished business within the world of F1, a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport.
Biography
Excessiveness early on is a notion alien to Stroll, a teenage prodigy attuned to wet conditions. Holding his own among the grid’s trendy individuals, Stroll’s entry into the scene transpired shortly after his 18th birthday courtesy of Williams – a step taken before high school graduation and acquiring his driver’s license.
Stroll’s debut season in 2017 was nothing short of serious business, punctuated by record-breaking achievements. Brimming with opportunistic racing prowess, he swiftly ascended to the podium in Baku, marking himself as the youngest rookie to achieve such a feat. Hailing from a background of affluence due to his entrepreneurial father, Stroll’s familiarity with the champagne lifestyle adds a layer of richness to the podium experience. At Monza, he showcased his mastery over rain-soaked tracks, becoming the youngest driver in history to grace the front row.
An unwavering starter, this Canadian sensation revels in gaining positions during the opening lap, consistently manoeuvring his way into point-scoring positions. Stroll undoubtedly has the potential to solidify his presence as a fixture in the Formula 1 realm – a potential reaffirmed by his inaugural pole position and two additional podium finishes in 2020.
These achievements unfolded after his father, Lawrence, spearheaded the consortium that took the reins of Force India midway through the 2018 season, subsequently orchestrating its metamorphosis into Aston Martin for 2021. The future appears radiant both for the team and their young protégé. Rain or shine, Stroll remains poised to navigate the tarmac at the forefront of the pack.
Biography
Nurtured on Finland’s icy and snowy roads, his destiny was etched as a Grand Prix contender.
Bottas elucidates that conquering any other terrain becomes second nature if you can manoeuvre on the frozen tracks of his homeland. Then there’s the Finnish mindset – composed, diligent, and serene, making the high-speed world of F1 a familiar realm.
His initiation into Formula 1 came with Williams in 2013, swiftly cementing his place within the family. Points and podiums trailed in his wake, with this consistent driver even amassing the highest points tally without a victory – a record he begrudgingly held but which underscored his prowess. Bottas’s ability to accumulate points like a machine swiftly propelled him into the most coveted position in F1: the vacant championship-winning seat at Mercedes, formerly occupied by Nico Rosberg.
Bottas truly flourished at the Silver Arrows in 2017, unshackling his speed to clinch personal pole positions and triumphs. Notably, he contributed to a team championship for the iconic Mercedes brand, collaborating with the renowned Lewis Hamilton. He even equalled Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel with an impressive 13 podium finishes.
For someone of a reserved disposition, this accomplishment infused him with newfound confidence and a subtle air of self-assuredness – naturally, in the modest Finnish manner. Such assurance was vital in 2018, a season Bottas often described as his weakest in F1, during which he secured zero wins compared to Hamilton’s tally of 11. However, this narrative primarily echoed Hamilton’s brilliance rather than indicating any personal inadequacy.
Bottas elevated his game in 2019, claiming four victories and solidifying a convincing second position in the championship, trailing Hamilton. This stature diminished in 2020, marked by two wins compared to his teammate’s 11, and further dwindled to just one victory in 2021. Consequently, Mercedes opted to part ways with him after five seasons.
Biography
China has never witnessed a citizen lining up on the Grand Prix grid. However, Zhou Guanyu has assumed the mantle of altering this status quo. He has been chosen to make his Formula 1 debut for Alfa Romeo in 2022, with the mission of changing this narrative.
The racer hailing from Shanghai first attended his home city’s inaugural Grand Prix back in 2004, a mere five years old, fervently cheering on his idol Fernando Alonso. Enveloped by the racing fervour, Zhou was spurred to set a momentous goal: becoming China’s first Formula 1 driver. This ambition led him down a path uncharted, an aspiration that even Ma Qinghua, the sole other Chinese driver to participate in an F1 weekend, never realized.
Embarking on this audacious journey with unwavering determination, Zhou and his family relocated to England when he was just 12 years old, with the sole intent of pursuing his motorsport aspirations. A standout achievement arrived in the form of a second-place finish in the 2015 Italian F4 championship, a testament to Zhou’s inherent talent. This accomplishment caught the attention of Ferrari, who had already welcomed him into their driver academy a year prior.
Transitioning to Renault’s academy in 2019, Zhou simultaneously made his Formula 2 debut. Over the span of three seasons, he amassed a collection of wins and pole positions, fortifying his confidence in the series. His remarkable journey culminated in a championship contention in 2021.
This remarkable trajectory convinced Alfa Romeo Team Principal Fred Vasseur to entrust Zhou with a race seat for 2022, placing him alongside former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. This move finally allows Zhou to realize his dream of competing in Formula 1, an accomplishment that now brings him face to face with his childhood idol, Fernando Alonso.
Biography
Dubbed the “Honey Badger” for his exterior warmth and inner tenacity, Daniel Ricciardo is a unique blend of softness and ferocity. Drivers take heed: concealed beneath Ricciardo’s laidback demeanour and wide grin is a fierce and razor-focused competitor.
Hailing from Australia, Ricciardo seamlessly marries breakneck speed with remarkable racecraft. Fearless in his pursuit of overtaking, he’s a proven victor on the track – someone who consistently finds himself vying for top positions in the championship standings when provided with the right machinery.
Throughout his tenure with Red Bull, Ricciardo frequented the podium, adding a touch of Aussie culture with his signature celebration – the “Shoey” – where he quaffed champagne from a soaked racing boot. Quirky as it may be, this trademark ritual captures his beloved sense of humour without undermining his prowess on the circuit.
Transitioning to Renault’s factory team in 2019 and subsequently moving to McLaren for the 2021 season introduced new tests for the Perth-born pilot. Yet, these endeavours fell short of realizing his aspiration to emulate the likes of Jack Brabham and Alan Jones as the next Australian world champion, leaving him absent from the grid at the outset of 2023.
Sadly, his return was short-lived. A practice crash at Zandvoort resulted in a broken hand, forcing him out of the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix. Fellow Antipodean Liam Lawson stepped in to fill his shoes.
At present, the precise date of his return remains uncertain. However, regardless of what lies ahead, one thing is certain: Ricciardo will continue to wear his trademark smile, regardless of the circumstances.
Biography
In the entire history of Formula 1, no Japanese driver has ever won a World Championship Grand Prix. Could Yuki Tsunoda be the first? Red Bull certainly thinks so, with the youngster very much on the path to their senior team if he continues to impress as he has done over the past few years.
Tsunoda’s ascent to the top tier of motorsport was astonishingly rapid: he went from racing in Japanese F4 to a Formula 1 seat with AlphaTauri in just over three years, having arrived in Europe in 2019 without knowledge of the circuits.
But after a slow start in F3, followed by a hugely impressive debut F2 campaign that saw him finish third in the championship and pick up three wins along the way, Tsunoda proved he had the speed and the race craft to force his way onto the F1 grid.
He may not have adapted to Grand Prix racing quite as quickly as he did to F2, but given time, he could yet find himself battling at the very sharp end in a Red Bull.
Biography
Whether you label him a lone wolf or a trailblazer, one thing is clear: Magnussen has returned to the realm of Formula 1 with a singular purpose – to race.
As a second-generation F1 driver, following in the footsteps of his father Jan onto the illustrious grid, Magnussen’s heroes draw from the cherished ‘golden era’ of Grand Prix racing. He admires the daring spirits of yesteryears, such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, who risked it all for the sheer love of the sport.
This Roskilde native’s own mastery was evident right from his debut with McLaren. Nurtured through the junior ranks by the team, he surged into the top three at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix, etching his name in history as the first Dane to stand on the F1 podium.
While more moments of celebratory champagne have proven elusive, his journey led him away from McLaren for a season with Renault and later settled him among kindred spirits at Haas for four seasons. After a year Stateside, immersing himself in Indy racing and sportscars, he returns to the fold with the American outfit.
Magnussen’s aggressive manoeuvres and unyielding approach have garnered him a reputation as a track “bad boy” – a label that bewilders him. Outside the cockpit, he exudes a laidback and amiable aura. After all, he’s living his dream job, and his presence in Formula 1 is solely driven by his passion for racing.
Biography
Nico Hülkenberg stands as a prominent German racing driver, celebrated for his remarkable speed and unwavering consistency on the racetrack. Born in Emmerich am Rhein, Germany, in 1987, Hülkenberg’s journey into the world of racing began with karting, which eventually paved the way for his transition to single-seater racing in 2005.
In 2009, Hülkenberg’s prowess shone as he clinched the championship title in the GP2 Series. The subsequent year marked his debut in the realm of Formula One, joining forces with the Williams F1 Team. Throughout his tenure in Formula One, Hülkenberg’s journey encompassed stints with diverse teams, including Force India, Sauber, and Renault.
Hülkenberg’s distinctive racing style is characterized by a blend of technical finesse and assertive driving. His ability to extract speed and push the boundaries of his car is undeniable, frequently translating into impressive qualifying performances. Beyond the confines of the track, Hülkenberg is celebrated for his warm and accessible personality, rendering him a beloved figure among fans.
A pinnacle moment in Hülkenberg’s career unfolded during the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, thrust into the spotlight as a last-minute replacement for the unwell Racing Point driver, Lance Stroll. Despite a season of not having driven the car, Hülkenberg remarkably secured the third spot in qualifying and concluded the race in eighth position. This extraordinary feat garnered admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike.
While not maintaining a full-time presence in recent Formula One seasons, Hülkenberg has maintained his engagement in motorsport. He has actively participated in various endurance racing events and assumed the role of a reserve driver for the Aston Martin F1 Team. This journey ultimately paved the way for his seat at Haas for the 2023 season.
Biography
When it comes to understanding the rollercoaster journey an F1 driver’s career can embark upon, Pierre Gasly stands as a prime example. The adept French racer received his call-up to the grand stage in 2017, making his debut in Malaysia as a replacement for Daniil Kvyat. His exceptional skills caught the attention, leading him to secure a position as a Toro Rosso driver the following year.
Within the initial 21 races of his budding career, Gasly’s trajectory took another leap forward. This time, he ascended to fill the shoes of Red Bull’s prominent figure, Daniel Ricciardo. Gasly appeared to possess an innate ability to be in the right place at the right time – a trait equally valuable on and off the track. His remarkable performances in 2018 for Toro Rosso, including an impressive fourth-place finish in Bahrain, showcased the promise he held for his future endeavours with the main Red Bull team in 2019.
Regrettably, that promise encountered sporadic moments of brilliance, struggling in comparison to his superstar teammate, Max Verstappen. This struggle prompted a decision after the summer break, resulting in his return to Toro Rosso. The opportunity was given to another emerging talent, Alex Albon, to take up the senior Red Bull role.
Gasly, however, exhibited his resilience in a characteristic fashion. Over the final nine races of the season, he accumulated nearly as many points as his teammate Kvyat managed throughout the entire year. His determination culminated in a remarkable achievement: a second-place finish in Brazil, marking his best-ever race result. This upward trajectory extended into 2020, highlighted by a poignant first victory at the Italian Grand Prix for the newly named AlphaTauri team. His momentum persisted through 2021, with podium finishes and a significant contribution of 110 out of 142 points for the team.
The pivotal question lingered: Could he sustain this momentum and earn himself another opportunity on the grand F1 stage? He unequivocally answered that question. Joining the French Alpine team, alongside his compatriot co-driver Esteban, signifies a clear step up in his career journey.
Biography
If there’s a single concept that pervades Esteban Ocon’s journey, it’s the notion of ‘sacrifice’.
Back when he was a promising young kart racer, Ocon’s parents made a profound sacrifice: selling their house, pausing their own careers, and embracing a nomadic lifestyle. They lived in a caravan, traversing from one racing circuit to another, all in unwavering support of their son’s burgeoning career.
This sacrifice wasn’t in vain. The year 2014 marked Ocon’s breakthrough in the realm of single-seater racing, outperforming none other than Max Verstappen to secure the European F3 championship. With the backing of Mercedes, he clinched the GP3 title the following year. In 2016, while halfway through a DTM season, an unexpected opportunity arose. Ocon was offered the chance to step in for Rio Haryanto at the underdog Manor team from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards.
This pivotal moment paved the way for a full-time seat the subsequent year with Force India. His intense on-track battles against the highly regarded Sergio Perez rapidly solidified Ocon’s status as a rising luminary. However, when Lawrence Stroll, the father of driver Lance Stroll, intervened in 2018 to ensure the financial stability of the team, Ocon’s future dimmed. By the close of that year, he was nudged aside to make way for Stroll Jr., transferring from Williams.
Ocon patiently waited, spending a year as Mercedes’ reserve driver. His perseverance paid off in 2020, as he reclaimed a race seat with Renault, a team subsequently rebranded as Alpine for 2021. Finally, his patient endurance yielded a triumphant outcome – not only achieving his own inaugural F1 victory, but also securing the first-ever F1 win for the renowned French manufacturer.
Ocon’s journey in motorsport has been anything but effortless. Yet, his ability to return to the F1 grid and ascend to the winner’s podium is a testament to a blend of unwavering self-confidence, unrelenting determination, and a skill set that rivals the very best.
Biography
Though born in London, Alexander Albon races under the banner of Thailand. Interestingly, his very first word was not in English but in Italian – the word being “Ferrari.” However, it was with a different Italian team that he was granted his significant breakthrough into the world of Formula 1.
With an unwavering admiration for Michael Schumacher and a profound aspiration to one day grace the Formula 1 stage, the younger Albon encountered a narrow miss in the 2016 GP3 title race, outshined by none other than Charles Leclerc. Subsequently, as he transitioned to the Formula 2 circuit, his close friendship with George Russell was left on the sidelines as he battled fiercely for the 2018 title.
Advancing to the grand league of Formula 1 alongside yet another contemporary, Lando Norris, in 2019, Albon showcased his prowess on the track with Toro Rosso in the initial races, securing a mid-season promotion to Red Bull Racing.
Distinguished for his artful overtaking and championship-driven mentality, Albon displayed remarkable composure despite partnering with Max Verstappen in the latter half of his rookie campaign. He managed to secure top-six finishes in eight out of his nine 2019 races with Red Bull.
Navigating the challenge of staying on par with the future champion proved more demanding in 2020, leading Red Bull to withdraw him from their race lineup. Crucially, Albon persisted as a test and reserve driver, remaining prominently on the radar of team executives. This ultimately paved the way for his return to the grid in 2022 with Williams.
Exuding a laidback and cheerful demeanour adorned with a mischievous grin, this Thai racer holds a well-regarded standing among his fellow competitors – a feat not always easily achieved within motorsport’s crucible of rivalry. However, the realm of Formula 1 demands more than just popularity. Albon now confronts a formidable task: to capitalize on a rare second chance in Formula 1 and make the most of this significant opportunity.
Biography
Logan Sargeant emerges as a promising American racing talent who has rapidly ascended the echelons of international motorsport. Hailing from Boca Raton, Florida, with his birth year pegged at 2000, Sargeant inaugurated his racing journey through karting before progressing to the realm of single-seater racing.
In 2018, Sargeant ventured into the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, clinching the 11th position overall and securing a single podium finish. The subsequent year witnessed his participation in the inaugural FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he distinguished himself as the runner-up, accumulating three wins and an impressive tally of ten podium finishes.
At the core of Sargeant’s racing ethos lies a blend of technical prowess and assertive driving. His hallmark traits encompass speed and a penchant for executing daring overtaking manoeuvres.
In the year 2020, Sargeant embarked on his FIA Formula 2 Championship debut with the Campos Racing team. Despite encountering a steep learning curve, he showcased glimpses of his latent potential through multiple finishes that earned him points.
Bolstered by his remarkable talent and unwavering dedication, Sargeant swiftly ascended to the status of a burgeoning luminary in American motorsport. This ascent culminated in a well-deserved full-time seat with Williams, affirming his stature as a compelling prospect for the future.