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.
5. Tyler Reddick vs. Ross Chastain – NASCAR Cup Series
Two of NASCAR’s most promising talents, Tyler Reddick and Ross Chastain, have become known for their daring moves and fearless driving. Their aggressive approaches have often seen them clash on the track, creating some of the most dramatic moments in recent NASCAR seasons. As they both set their sights on Cup Series dominance in 2024, their rivalry will rise. Whether trading paint in tight corners or battling for race wins, Reddick and Chastain’s head-to-head encounters will be must-watch events throughout the year.
6. Sebastian Vettel vs. Fernando Alonso – WEC
In 2024, two Formula 1 legends, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, will take their rivalry from F1 to the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Both drivers have won multiple F1 titles, but now they compete in long-distance racing, where strategy and stamina come into play. Their storied history in F1, including on-track battles and a shared desire to outdo one another, will carry over into WEC, making this a rivalry worth watching. Fans will be keen to see who adapts best to endurance racing and takes the upper hand in this renewed competition.
7. Valtteri Bottas vs. George Russell – Formula 1
After leaving Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell continue to find themselves in competition, albeit from different teams. Russell, now firmly established as a top-tier driver at Mercedes, is eager to assert himself, while Bottas is still out to prove he can take on the big names in F1. Their rivalry, dating back to their time as teammates, will intensify in 2024 as they vie for supremacy on the track. Bottas’s experience versus Russell’s raw speed will make for some fascinating battles throughout the season.
8. Josef Newgarden vs. Scott Dixon – IndyCar
The rivalry between Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon has become one of the most gripping in IndyCar. Both drivers are among the most decorated in the series, with championships and race wins. In 2024, their battle for the IndyCar title is expected to continue as they push each other to the limit, aiming to leave their mark as the top driver in the series. With different driving styles and approaches to racing, their rivalry will provide plenty of excitement for fans of open-wheel racing.
9. Lewis Hamilton vs. Fernando Alonso – Formula 1
Few rivalries have the long-lasting impact of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s. Their history dates back to their dramatic partnership at McLaren in 2007, and they have continued to cross paths ever since. As both approach the later stages of their F1 careers, 2024 might be one of the last seasons we see them compete head-to-head. The rivalry between the seven-time champion and the veteran two-time champion remains fiery, and any on-track battle between them will surely bring plenty of drama.
10. Jack Miller vs. Francesco Bagnaia – MotoGP
In MotoGP, Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia have become the sport’s most exciting rivals. Both Ducati riders have been pushing each other to new heights, and as they enter 2024, the stakes will only get higher. Miller’s aggressive style contrasts with Bagnaia’s smooth and precise approach, creating thrilling battles on the track. Their rivalry will likely define the MotoGP season as they aim to be crowned champions, making each race between them a must-watch spectacle.