Decoding the Unique Qualifying Stats of F1 2024
Race results inevitably stand out most vividly in motorsport history books, but qualifying remains key to building them in Formula 1, with the 2024 season no different. A look back through the numbers from the campaign just gone reveals several interesting statistics to note for the driving pack – for those that did well and others that struggled. Inevitably, car performance plays a huge role in qualifying results given it’s the main chance each weekend (albeit with two sessions for sprint events) to see pure pace, with no fuel or engine mode caveats, although how a driver gets the best out of the tricky Pirelli rubber can add in a key extra factor too.
### Top Qualifying Performances
Topping the list are the drivers that made the most Q3 appearances all year, which were Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Mercedes racer George Russell – with each making it through to the pole-setting qualifying segment 23 times. To make a split, Q2 appearances become relevant and here Verstappen comes up on top as his only non-Q3 result from every 2024 GP qualifying session was when he was knocked out in Q2 at the Brazilian race. For Norris, Piastri, and Russell, they all had a single Q1 exit that therefore drops them behind the world champion – for Norris in Baku, Piastri in Mexico, and Russell in Hungary – and they make up the only drivers never to be knocked out in Q2 in all 2024 GP qualifying sessions.
### Notable Absences
One full-time driver in 2024 never had a single Q3 experience, which was Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu, although dropped Williams driver Logan Sargeant and regular substitute Oliver Bearman did not either in their 17 and three entries this year respectively. The drivers that missed Q3 the most from the top four teams were Sergio Perez (nine absences split into three Q2 results and six in Q1) and Lewis Hamilton (six from two in Q2 and four in Q1). Two drivers made it through to Q3 just once – more part-timers in Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto (in Brazil and Baku respectively when they turned out for RB and Williams) – while the other Sauber driver, Valtteri Bottas, only got through to the final segment on two occasions to highlight how poor the C44 was overall.
### Standout Performers
The drivers with the most Q2 appearances in 2024 were Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and now former Haas racer Kevin Magnussen (12 each), with Williams driver Alex Albon and (for most of the season) Alpine pair Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon all on 10 each. Almost inevitably given his earlier mention, Zhou had the most 2024 Q1 exits, although Bottas was next up on 14.
Decoding the statistics from the 2024 F1 season qualifying sessions provides a unique insight into the performances of drivers across the grid. From top performers consistently making it to Q3 to those facing challenges in earlier sessions, the numbers reveal the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the various factors that influence qualifying outcomes. As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, these stats offer a glimpse into the dynamics at play on the track and the strategies employed by teams and drivers to secure the best possible starting positions. What do you think is the most crucial factor in achieving success during F1 qualifying sessions? Share your thoughts and predictions for the next season in the comments below!