The 2024 Formula 1 season came to a thrilling conclusion at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, and it was a race that will be remembered for years to come. The night race, under the glistening lights of the desert, served as a perfect stage for several monumental moments in F1 history, featuring a stunning victory for Lando Norris, McLaren clinching their first Constructors' Championship since 1998, and major driver moves that will shake up the grid in 2025.

For Carlos Sainz, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of an era. After a strong stint with Ferrari, Sainz’s departure was bittersweet. He had been a key part of Ferrari’s journey in recent years, consistently delivering solid results and proving himself as a reliable driver. 

However, the Abu Dhabi GP also served as the farewell race for Sainz with the Scuderia, as he announced earlier on the season that he would be moving to Williams for the 2025 season. This was a surprising move, considering Williams' relative lack of competitiveness in recent years, but it was seen as a chance for Sainz to be part of a rebuilding project with the historic British team. 

Sainz’s departure from Ferrari marks a significant shift in the team’s lineup for 2025, with speculation already rife about who's filling his shoes alongside Charles Leclerc. Sainz’s time at Ferrari was marked by his professionalism and his ability to extract performance from a car that was often unpredictable. His move to Williams signals a new chapter in his career, one where he will hope to be a leader in a team on the rise.

Another massive piece of news that overshadowed the Abu Dhabi GP weekend was the emotional farewell of Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. After an extraordinary partnership that had spanned over a decade, Hamilton’s time with the Silver Arrows came to an end in 2024. Despite having won seven World Championships with Mercedes, the 39-year-old decided it was time to embark on a new challenge. 

Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes was filled with emotion. Although he finished in the midfield, the significance of the moment was not lost on anyone. Over the years, Hamilton had become synonymous with Mercedes’ dominance in F1, and his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history was firmly cemented. 

In a surprising turn of events, Hamilton announced that he would be joining Ferrari for the 2025 season. His move to the Scuderia is one of the most significant driver switches in F1 history. Hamilton, with his vast experience and skill, will now join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, forming a dream team for the Italian squad. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, combined with the exit of Sainz, was a shock to many, but it signaled the start of a new era for both drivers and teams.