What Is 2019 Formula One World Championship

Overview

The 2019 Formula One World Championship marked the 70th running of the FIA Formula One World Championship. It was a season defined by Mercedes' continued dominance, Lewis Hamilton's pursuit of history, and emerging challenges from Ferrari and Red Bull.

Spanning 21 races across five continents, the season began in Australia and concluded in Abu Dhabi. The competition featured intense intra-team battles, strategic innovations, and dramatic weather-affected races, particularly in Germany and Brazil.

• Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth Drivers' Championship, moving within one of Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles, with his title secured at the United States Grand Prix in November.
• Valtteri Bottas won five races and led the championship early, but consistency from Hamilton ensured Mercedes retained the Drivers' title.
• Mercedes AMG Petronas scored 739 points, the highest in the season, with Ferrari finishing second in the Constructors' Championship with 504 points.
• Charles Leclerc emerged as a title threat early, winning two races—Belgium and Italy—and securing 10 pole positions, more than any other driver.
• The 2019 German Grand Prix was notable for torrential rain, a dramatic comeback by Max Verstappen, and a last-lap crash that handed Hamilton the win.

How It Works

The Formula One World Championship operates through a points-based system across a season-long calendar of races, each contributing to both Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.

• Points System: The top 10 finishers earn points (25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1), with an additional point for the fastest lap if the driver finishes in the top 10.
• Qualifying Format: A three-session knockout system (Q1, Q2, Q3) determines grid positions, with the fastest lap in Q3 securing pole position.
• Constructors' Championship: Points from both drivers are combined, making team strategy and car development critical to overall success.
• Driver Consistency: Finishing races and minimizing errors is essential, as Hamilton demonstrated by scoring in 19 of 21 races.
• Mid-Season Development: Teams introduce aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades, such as Ferrari's major update in Belgium, to gain performance.
• Strategy Calls: Pit stop timing, tire choice (Pirelli supplies five compounds), and weather adaptation play decisive roles in race outcomes.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the top three teams in the 2019 Constructors' Championship reveals key performance metrics:

Mercedes dominated in points and race wins, while Ferrari led in pole positions thanks to Leclerc’s qualifying pace. Red Bull, powered by Honda, showed strong progress, particularly in the second half of the season.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was pivotal in shaping the competitive landscape ahead of the 2021 regulation overhaul. It highlighted the importance of reliability, strategy, and driver development in modern F1.

• Hamilton's Legacy: His sixth title solidified his status as one of F1’s greatest, narrowing the gap to Schumacher’s record and boosting his historical standing.
• Youth Movement: Leclerc and Verstappen, both under 22, signaled a generational shift, challenging established champions with aggressive driving.
• Engine Performance: Honda’s progress with Red Bull culminated in a win in Austria, marking a turning point for the manufacturer.
• Mercedes' Dominance: The team won 9 of 21 races, showcasing unmatched consistency and engineering excellence.
• Regulation Impact: The 2019 season was the last before major 2021 rule changes, making it a benchmark for future performance comparisons.
• Global Reach: Races in Vietnam were scheduled for 2020, reflecting F1’s expansion strategy, driven by the sport’s growing 2019 viewership of over 500 million.

The 2019 championship set the stage for an even more competitive era, combining legacy excellence with emerging talent and technological evolution.