At the FIA’s end-of-season Prize Giving Gala on December 13 in Kigali, Rwanda, Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez was awarded the FIA Action of the Year for his remarkable double overtake on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz during the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint race. While Perez’s maneuver was undoubtedly impressive, the award has sparked significant backlash among Formula 1 fans, many of whom believe other drivers’ moments deserved greater recognition.
The double overtake in question was executed during the Sprint race, where Perez’s move on Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz earned widespread praise. It also preceded his fourth and final podium of the F1 2024 season. However, fan reactions on social media indicate a prevailing sentiment that this was not the most deserving choice for the award.
F1 Fans React
One fan labeled the decision a “joke of the season,” with others pointing out that Perez’s overtake in Las Vegas was arguably more deserving of the accolade.
Critics also highlighted Max Verstappen’s extraordinary drive in the rain during the Brazilian Grand Prix as a missed opportunity for recognition. One fan commented on Verstappen’s ability to pass multiple cars in difficult conditions, calling it “far more deserving.”
Albon’s Canadian Grand Prix Heroics
Among those feeling overlooked, Alex Albon’s stunning maneuver at the wet 2024 Canadian Grand Prix has drawn significant attention. Driving for Williams, Albon overtook Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon at the final chicane, a move many fans believe embodied the skill, precision, and bravery the FIA Action of the Year award seeks to celebrate.
One fan remarked, “Albon’s move in Canada had everything—adverse conditions, bold decision-making, and flawless execution. That’s what should have been celebrated.”
A Divisive Decision
While Perez’s double overtake remains a strong contender for a standout moment of the season, the FIA Action of the Year award has reignited debates about the criteria for recognition and the moments that truly define a Formula 1 season.
As Formula 1 gears up for the 2025 season, fans will undoubtedly continue to debate the moments and drivers that defined 2024, with Alex Albon’s Canadian Grand Prix brilliance remaining a highlight for many.
