Around the world, there were more incredible scenes to be found: the formidable Dakar rally, starting at the year’s end and heading into January, never fails to impress, whilst its World Rally Championship cousin also put on some thrilling battles – though honours ultimately went to the prodigal standard bearer Kalle Rovanperä, Sébastien Loeb, Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville and Sébastien Loeb would also win.
IndyCar’s fearless oval warriors provided almost endless entertainment, with former F1 man Marcus Ericsson the surprise victor for Ganassi at the Indianapolis 500.
Mexico City’s stadium section lent itself particularly well to this season Formula E clash, as the heart-stopping Extreme E finale brought Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team its first title.