The 2020s
New Rules, New Rivalries
The Era
The 2020s ushered in the most dramatic rule changes in a generation and a rivalry for the ages. The decade opened with the COVID-disrupted 2020 season, but the real story began in 2021 when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought perhaps the most intense championship battle in F1 history, decided on the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi under extraordinary and controversial circumstances. New ground-effect aerodynamic regulations arrived in 2022, designed to allow cars to follow each other more closely and improve racing. Verstappen and Red Bull capitalised brilliantly, with the Dutchman winning 15 of 22 races in 2022 and then an unprecedented 19 of 22 in 2023, the most dominant season in F1 history. McLaren's resurgence in 2024 and Ferrari's return to competitiveness have opened up the competitive picture, while the sport's global popularity has surged thanks to the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, bringing millions of new fans to Formula 1. The introduction of a cost cap, sprint races, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix reflect a sport transforming itself for a new generation.
Key Changes
COVID-19 disrupts 2020 season. Ground-effect cars return (2022). Budget cap enforced (2021). Sprint races introduced. Las Vegas GP debuts (2023). Record 24-race calendar. Drive to Survive boosts global popularity.
World Champions
| Year | Driver | Team | Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 11 | 347 |
| 2021 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 10 | 395.5 |
| 2022 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 15 | 454 |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 19 | 575 |
| 2024 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 9 | 437 |
| 2025 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 7 | 423 |
Constructor Champions
Race Winners
| # | Driver | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | 63 |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | 21 |
| 3 | Lando Norris | 11 |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | 9 |
| 5 | Sergio Pérez | 6 |
| 6 | Charles Leclerc | 6 |
| 7 | George Russell | 5 |
| 8 | Carlos Sainz | 4 |
| 9 | Valtteri Bottas | 3 |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | 1 |
| 11 | Daniel Ricciardo | 1 |
| 12 | Esteban Ocon | 1 |