What Happened On This Day November 24 In F1 History?

What happened on this day, November 24 in Formula 1 history? Find out interesting facts and stories about Formula 1 on this day.

2005

The final chapter of the Minardi team concluded with its last race at the 2005 Chineses Grand Prix before being rebranded on this day as Toro Rosso after a takeover by Red Bull. In a fitting tribute, owner Paul Stoddart drove the final lap himself in their last-ever test at the Vallelunga circuit near Rome in this season’s PS05 car. “It was a far more emotional experience than I expected,” he admitted. “Minardi has given so much to so many over the years. While I wish Toro Rosso all the success, I know many, like myself, will always see it as Minardi in their hearts.”

2006

At just 21, Lewis Hamilton was confirmed as Fernando Alonso‘s teammate at McLaren for the following F1 season, despite having never driven an F1 car. This announcement marked the pinnacle of an 11-year journey, initiated by a handshake between Hamilton and Ron Dennis. Reflecting on the decision, Dennis said, “We looked at the grid and felt that, aside from the top three, most drivers had stagnated. I am distinctly unimpressed with the majority of the current F1 drivers, and I believe Lewis is well-prepared to handle those who fall into that category.” Hamilton admitted he was “overwhelmed,” describing the moment: “It felt surreal. I was sitting on a couch across from Ron at his home when he told me McLaren had chosen me as their new driver. It didn’t fully sink in; I kept a professional face. I could see Ron’s excitement, and he said I should feel it too. Inside, I was thrilled, but it had been a long wait. It was comforting to know the seat was finally mine. Now, I have to focus on preparing.” Though the decision was made after Monza in late September, it remained a well-guarded secret until then.

2009

Flavio Briatore began his legal battle in a Paris court, contesting his lifetime ban from motorsport and seeking £1 million in damages related to the Crashgate scandal. His appeal would ultimately prove successful.

2013

The 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix was a historic race, marking Sebastian Vettel‘s ninth consecutive Grand Prix victory, securing him a dominant season win with Red Bull Racing. In his final race, Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber finished second, followed by Fernando Alonso in third for Ferrari. This victory set records, including a then-unprecedented 397 total points for Vettel and a 155-point gap over second-placed Alonso in the Drivers’ Championship—both records that would later be broken by Max Verstappen in 2023. Red Bull also clinched the 2013 Constructors’ Championship, establishing a record 236-point lead over second-placed Mercedes. This win in Brazil would be Vettel’s last until the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, his final victory with Red Bull.

As of 2024, this remains the last time the Brazilian Grand Prix concluded an F1 season and the final race featuring naturally aspirated engines. It marked the end of the 2.4-liter V8 engines introduced in 2006 and the broader era of naturally aspirated engines, mandatory in F1 since 1989. The following year, Formula One switched to 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engines with hybrid energy recovery systems.

The race was a farewell for several drivers and teams. It was the last F1 appearance for previous race winners Heikki Kovalainen and Mark Webber, as well as the final outing for Caterham drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde. Felipe Massa completed his last race with Ferrari, and Pastor Maldonado had his final drive for the Williams F1 Team. It was also the last time Williams ran with Renault engines and Toro Rosso with Ferrari engines until the 2016 season, and it marked Cosworth’s last appearance as an F1 engine supplier.

2013 Brazilian Grand Prix Race Results

F1 Driver Birthdays 24 November

F1 Driver Deaths 24 November