Which driver caused the most damage to their F1 car during the 2024 season? That’s the question we’re answering today, and we finally have the numbers!
With 24 races, this 2024 F1 season was long and, unsurprisingly, marked by costly incidents on track. From crashes to collisions and spectacular accidents, some drivers stood out—but not necessarily for the right reasons. So, how much do crashs cost in Formula 1, and who managed to avoid them this year?
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Which driver cost their team the most?
It’s no secret that Sergio Perez had a rough year. After fighting to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing, he faced a string of underwhelming performances and accidents. In Baku, a huge collision with Carlos Sainz cost him a podium and added to his team’s expenses. The result? Perez earns the title of the most expensive driver of the season, with damages estimated at $4.8 million. Add to that five retirements, and the Mexican driver overshadowed his own pursuit of results. It’s hard to stay competitive under pressure, and unfortunately, Perez couldn’t deliver. Red Bull’s management wasn’t convinced either, as Liam Lawson will replace him in 2025.
Which F1 team had the most crashes in 2024?
On the team side, Williams takes the unenviable title of the most expensive team of the year. With 17 crashes and only 17 points scored, the 2024 season was catastrophic (economically speaking) for the legendary British team. Alexander Albon and Franco Colapinto, who rank second and third among the most expensive drivers, drove the total cost up to over $11 million, an average of around 650,000 dollars per accident. With $4.6 million and $3.4 million in damages respectively, they weren’t the only contributors to Williams’ final bill. Logan Sargeant, who was replaced mid-season, racked up $3 million in damages on his own. For smaller teams like Williams, these mistakes weigh heavily on the budget. It’s a reminder that every crash has a greater impact on teams with limited resources, especially since every dollar spent on repairs is a dollar not invested in research and development.
Gasly: A driver to look up to
At the other end of the spectrum, Pierre Gasly set an impressive record. The Alpine F1 Team driver finished the entire season without a single self-inflicted incident. Not a single mistake, not a single crash—Gasly cost his team $0. This rare and valuable performance highlights the importance of consistency and composure in a sport where every mistake can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Alpine F1 Team can be proud of their driver, who proved that staying calm and reliable makes all the difference, even in a competitive season like 2024. His efforts were rewarded with a solid 10th place in the Drivers’ Championship.
This article explores the cost of crashes in Formula 1 during the 2024 season, highlighting the most expensive drivers and those who stood out for their reliability. Between Sergio Pérez, Williams, and Pierre Gasly, this season revealed much more than just on-track performances: it underscored the crucial role of risk management in this spectacular and demanding sport.
Images: © Williams Racing
