The champagne had barely dried in Abu Dhabi when the shadow of controversy fell over the celebration. Lando Norris, the newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion, will receive his trophy this Friday, but the man he dethroned, Max Verstappen, will be notably absent from the FIA Prize Giving Gala.
Norris’s victory, a mere two points separating him from Verstappen after a grueling season, ended an era of Red Bull dominance. It was a triumph years in the making, a testament to relentless dedication and a revitalized McLaren team. Yet, the official crowning won’t occur under the lights of Yas Marina, but in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The FIA regulations are clear: the top three championship finishers are expected to attend the gala, a ceremony recognizing champions across all FIA-sanctioned motorsport series. Norris and his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, are preparing to make the journey.
Verstappen, however, cites illness as the reason for his absence, a claim met with skepticism given his recent, candid remarks. Reports suggest the four-time champion is battling the flu, but his previous statements paint a different picture.
Just days ago, Verstappen openly expressed his disdain for the event, stating he was obligated to attend to avoid a penalty, but calling the gala “nonsense.” He emphasized the exhaustion following a demanding season and a desire to recharge, not endure another lengthy ceremony.
The specter of a fine looms large. Sir Lewis Hamilton faced a hefty £42,000 penalty for skipping the 2021 gala after a controversial title loss to Verstappen. However, it’s believed Verstappen may be spared such punishment, given the stated medical reason for his non-attendance.
Despite the narrow defeat, Verstappen displayed grace in the immediate aftermath of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He offered sincere congratulations to Norris, acknowledging the profound emotional weight of a first world championship title.
“Winning your first title is something we all dream of when we get into the sport,” Verstappen said. “You work for that since you’re a little kid. It’s what you dream of. I hope for Lando as well, I saw a lot of his family is here, so it’s important to enjoy this a lot tonight.”
He further lauded McLaren’s resurgence, recognizing their perseverance and the impact of building a strong team. “They had an incredible season together, so it’s important that they enjoy it,” he added, a magnanimous gesture from a champion dethroned.
The FIA Prize Giving Gala is scheduled to begin at 6pm UK time on December 12th, marking the official end to the 2024 Formula 1 season and the beginning of Lando Norris’s reign.
