Perez tops most expensive F1 crashes list, Gasly no damage all year
F1 NewsWednesday, 11 December 2024 at 16:14
The 2024 Formula 1 World Championship concluded with a mix of triumph and turmoil, as Sergio Perez's challenging season reached an ignominious end with a record-setting level of on-track damage and hefty bills that come with it.
In stark contrast to Perez, Pierre Gasly achieved a historic milestone, completing the season without causing a single incident.
The campaign ended with Lando Norris securing victory in Abu Dhabi, clinching McLaren’s first Constructors' Championship since 1998.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen celebrated his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, having won nine of the 24 races. Despite moments of pressure from Norris and others, Verstappen ended the season comfortably ahead.
Perez endured a dismal year
The Mexican veteran finishing eighth in the Drivers' standings with 155 points—285 behind team-mate Verstappen. Adding to his woes, data from MostlyF1.com revealed that Perez caused more damage than any other driver in 2024, racking up an estimated £3.81 million ($4.83 million) in repair costs.
Perez’s season was marred by five race-ending crashes, including a dramatic first-lap collision in Abu Dhabi. Reflecting on his struggles, Perez admitted: “That incident summed up my very difficult year.”
A notable low point came at Monaco, where Perez collided with Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg, leading to extensive damage.
Albon, Russell, and Sargeant Among Costliest
Williams’ Alex Albon closely followed Perez in the so-called "destructors’ standings" with £3.66 million ($4.63 million) in damage. George Russell (£2.61 million / $3.31 million), Logan Sargeant (£2.36 million / $2.99 million), and Carlos Sainz (£2.26 million / $2.87 million) rounded out the top five.
Sainz’s repair costs contrasted sharply with his reputation for consistency, highlighting the intense competition and incidents of the season.
While crashes plagued many drivers, Pierre Gasly stood out as the only driver to complete the season without causing any damage—a first in F1 history. The Frenchman’s impeccable record bolstered Alpine’s campaign, even as team-mate Esteban Ocon, who is set to leave the team, accrued £787,819 ($999,610) in damages.
Gasly no damage, Verstappen and Norris minimal bills
In contrast to his dominance on the track, Verstappen’s repair costs were modest, amounting to £714,005 ($906,145), placing him 15th overall. Norris (£330,805 / $420,225) and Lewis Hamilton (£250,848 / $318,625) finished near the bottom of the list, ranking 18th and 20th, respectively.
The 2024 season highlighted the stark differences between drivers in terms of consistency and on-track incidents. While McLaren celebrated their resurgence and Norris shone in the spotlight, Red Bull faced questions about Perez’s future following a turbulent year.
Gasly’s crash-free season, a historic first, underscored the importance of precision and control in a sport often defined by chaos and split-second decisions. As Formula 1 looks ahead to 2025, these narratives will undoubtedly shape the grid’s dynamics and rivalries.
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