driver of the day

Driver of the Day: Verstappen Claims Fan Honour in Abu Dhabi Thriller

In a season defined by drama, controversy, and sheer dominance, the final vote of the 2024 Formula 1 season has landed. The fans have spoken, and the last "Driver of the Day" of the year goes to the man who finished second in the Championship battle: Max Verstappen.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, traditionally the season finale, served up a tense, strategic showdown. While Lando Norris claimed the race victory on the track, it was Verstappen’s extraordinary recovery drive from 18th position to 6th that captured the imagination of the global F1 audience.

For Australian motorsport fans watching the late-night broadcast from Yas Island, it was a display of resilience that echoed the very best of the sport's legends. Despite missing out on the race win, Verstappen secured the prestigious fan-voted award, underscoring his reputation as the sport's most formidable racer.

The Race Result: Norris Takes the Chequered Flag

Before diving into the specifics of Verstappen’s drive, it is essential to acknowledge the official race victor. According to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Result report by Pitpass, Lando Norris finally converted a pole position into a race win, leading a McLaren 1-2 finish ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.

The result marked a significant milestone for the British driver and the Woking-based team. However, the story of the Grand Prix was not just about the winner crossing the line unchallenged; it was about the battles raging further down the order, specifically the storming drive from the Red Bull garage.

Verstappen’s Recovery: From Backmarker to Points Scorer

Starting the race in 18th place after a difficult qualifying session, Max Verstappen’s grid position was a shock to many. The Dutchman, who had already secured his fourth World Championship in Las Vegas weeks prior, was facing a lonely race—or so it seemed.

Instead, Verstappen executed a masterclass in tyre management and opportunistic overtaking. The official Formula 1 coverage of the event highlighted that Verstappen carved through the field, picking off competitors one by one.

By the time the chequered flag waved, Verstappen had fought his way up to an impressive 6th place. In the context of the championship standings, this result was irrelevant; he was already the champion. But in the context of pride and performance, it was a statement.

Why the Fans Voted: "Driver of the Day"

The Driver of the Day award is unique because it relies entirely on fan sentiment. It is not always awarded to the race winner; often, it goes to the driver who made the most overtakes, saved the most tyres, or overcame the biggest adversity.

As reported by Formula 1 in their article [DRIVER OF THE DAY: Race victor Verstappen gets your vote in Abu Dhabi title decider], the fans overwhelmingly chose Verstappen.

The logic behind the vote is clear: 1. The Delta of Performance: Verstappen started near the back and finished in the points. The sheer number of positions gained (12) was the highest on the grid. 2. The Difficulty of Overtaking: The Yas Marina Circuit is notoriously difficult to overtake on. Making 12 passes here requires immense skill and bravery. 3. The "Show": Fans want to see action. Verstappen provided the bulk of the on-track action outside of the lead battle.

A Season of Resilience

Abu Dhabi was not the first time Verstappen had to drive recovery races this season. The 2024 campaign, while ending in triumph, was fraught with challenges for Red Bull.

In a separate Formula 1 report titled [Verstappen ‘very proud’ despite missing out on title], the champion reflected on the season's challenges. He admitted that the car was difficult to drive and that the competition had closed the gap significantly.

This context makes the Abu Dhabi Driver of the Day award even more poignant. It wasn't just about one race; it was a recognition of a season-long effort where Verstappen often dragged a temperamental RB20 beyond its logical limits.

The Australian Perspective

For fans in Australia, the timing of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is always a challenge, often running late into Sunday night. However, the drama of the race provided a fitting finale to the year.

The redemption arc of Verstappen—from a crash in the Sprint race to a recovery drive on Sunday—resonates with the Australian sporting ethos of "hard yakka." We admire athletes who dig deep when the odds are against them. While the local fans were undoubtedly cheering for Oscar Piastri (who secured a solid P2), Verstappen’s drive was impossible to ignore.

The Numbers Behind the Vote

While the exact traffic volume and polling numbers are proprietary to Formula 1 management, the buzz surrounding the topic has been significant. The "Driver of the Day" trend generates substantial engagement on social media platforms, with fans debating the merits of the vote.

In Abu Dhabi, the debate was short-lived. The visual evidence of Verstappen slicing through the midfield, aided by a well-timed Safety Car, cemented his status as the fans' favourite for the day.

Conclusion

The 2024 season is in the history books. Lando Norris has his first win, and Oscar Piastri has a podium in the finale. But the final "Driver of the Day" award goes to the undisputed King of the season, Max Verstappen.

It serves as a reminder that in Formula 1, the story isn't always about the driver who finishes first. Sometimes, it is about the driver who refuses to accept their starting position and fights for every inch of tarmac. As the cars pack up and head back to the factories, Verstappen leaves Abu Dhabi with the trophy that matters most—the one given by the fans.