Our Picks for the Biggest Racing Rivalries Right Now

As the motorsport world gears up for the 2024 – 2025 racing season, old and new rivalries are again taking center stage. From fierce battles on the Formula 1 grid to high-speed duels in NASCAR, these rivalries excite each race. Fans and drivers alike are eager to see who will come out on top, as personal histories, team loyalties, and national pride come into play. In motorsport, the only thing better than speed is the drama that comes with it, and these rivalries are set to make 2024 an unforgettable year.

1. Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton – Formula 1

One of the most intense rivalries in modern Formula 1 history, the competition between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton shows no signs of cooling down in 2024. Their heated battles on the track have been well-documented, most notably in the 2021 season when Verstappen controversially clinched his first World Championship, snatching it from Hamilton in the final race. With Hamilton hungry to regain his title and Verstappen looking to cement his dominance, fans eagerly await the next chapter of this epic rivalry. Their aggressive driving styles and on-track duels keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

2. Charles Leclerc vs. Carlos Sainz – Ferrari Teammates

Ferrari’s two-star drivers, Charles Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz, have pushed each other to the limit since they were paired as teammates. While the two have maintained a relatively professional relationship, their natural competition has intensified as Ferrari pushes to become a championship contender again. In 2024, both drivers will aim to establish themselves as Ferrari’s number one, leading to potentially thrilling on-track duels and strategic maneuvering. Their internal rivalry will be one to watch as both seek to prove they are the future of Ferrari.

3. Kyle Larson vs. Chase Elliott – NASCAR Cup Series

Within the Hendrick Motorsports camp, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott have emerged as two of the most talented drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. While both have celebrated individual successes, their rivalry as teammates has become more prominent with each passing season. Larson’s aggressive style often clashes with Elliott’s consistency, and the duo is likely to continue pushing each other throughout the 2024 campaign. Expect plenty of side-by-side battles on the track as they both fight for the Cup Series title—and the unofficial title of Hendrick’s top driver.

4. Mick Schumacher vs. Logan Sargeant – Formula 1

With the next generation of Formula 1 talent rising, the budding rivalry between Mick Schumacher and Logan Sargeant is one to watch in 2024. Both young drivers have much to prove, with Schumacher following in his legendary father’s footsteps and Sargeant hailed as the future hope for American racing fans. Their rivalry took a severe turn during the 2023 season, with both looking to outperform the other to secure their place on the grid. As they fight for recognition and their careers, the 2024 season will be pivotal in shaping their futures—and their rivalry.