Despite Mercedes AMG‘s dominance, the 2014 Formula 1 season was very enjoyable as it featured plenty of on- and off-track action. Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable and important moments during the season.
Controversy at the streets of Monaco
With only one victory to his name compared to Hamilton’s four after the Spanish GP, Rosberg was adamant to turn the tables on his team mate in Monaco, and he did just that. In Qualifying, Rosberg took provisional pole, but he locked up and went off track on his second try, meaning Hamilton couldn’t complete his final flying lap and was forced to settle for P2, where he eventually finished the race, while Rosberg won. Whether Rosberg’s move was intentional or not, we will never know.
Championship rivals collide in Spa
Hamilton and Rosberg’s season-long battle reached its climax at the Belgian Grand Prix where the German, who started from pole and was overtaken by Hamilton at the start, collided into the Briton in an attempt to move past at turn 7. Rosberg was able to continue with a damaged front wing, but Hamilton suffered a tyre puncture and retired later in the race.
Tragedy in Suzuka as Bianchi suffers near-fatal crash
The Japanese Grand Prix was a highly entertaining race, but everyone forgot just how good it was due to a heavy crash involving Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who was knocked unconscious after going off track and hitting a crane that was lifting Adrian Sutil’s car. Bianchi was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery, but he remains in “critical condition” to this day.
Marussia and Caterham in trouble
Formula 1’s financial crisis hit rock bottom when both Marussia and Caterham revealed that they would not take part in the final 3 races of the season. The United States Grand Prix and Brazilian Grand Prix featured 18 cars, the lowest count since Monaco 2005, but it increased to 20 cars in Abu Dhabi when Caterham managed to collect enough donation money in order to race.
Alonso announces Ferrari exit, Ferrari announce Vettel
Following endless speculation, Fernando Alonso announced that he will be leaving Ferrari at the end of the season, and after confirming Alonso’s departure via a statement on its official website, the Italian team revealed that Sebastian Vettel will be partnering Kimi Raikkonen in 2015 after signing a three-year deal with the German.
Lewis Hamilton secures his second world championship title
Lewis Hamilton needed to finish second in Abu Dhabi to secure the title, but a flying start from 2nd place in Sunday’s race saw the Briton overtake pole-sitter and title rival Rosberg on the first corner. Rosberg wasn’t capable of closing the gap and his chances of winning the title took a big hit when ERS on his Mercedes failed. Hamilton cruised to his 11th race win in 2014 and secured a deserved second world championship title.