In Formula 1’s history books, Max Verstappen’s fourth world championship will take the same space as his previous three. But in terms of prestige, it’s different. The 2024 title cemented Verstappen’s place in the exclusive club of drivers who achieved the ultimate goal without having the best car. Max drove a dominant Red Bull in only a third of the 24 Grands Prix this season—the rest was down to him.
This success came in a turbulent year, starting with Red Bull Racing’s worst internal crisis in its history. All the certainties Max had built in nine years with the team began to waver: controversies, power struggles, ultimatums, and a loss of key personnel. In this chaos, Verstappen remained the one constant the team could rely on. Every time he got behind the wheel, he gave his all, keeping the team afloat amid disarray.
“The start was quite, let’s say… a bit chaotic,” Max Verstappen said after celebrating with the team in Las Vegas. “But I think I’ve always remained calm in those situations. In general, I’m not easily affected; I stay very focused on racing. When I’m in the car, I forget everything—good or bad—and focus solely on performance, driving as fast as possible.”
This world championship was a well-rounded achievement. Max Verstappen knew how to win when he had the chance and endure during Red Bull’s unpredictable technical struggles. In seven races, he didn’t make it to the podium but still amassed 66 points—crucial for the title fight. “I’m very proud of this title because for 70% of the season, we didn’t have the fastest car,” Max highlighted. “Yet we still extended our lead. That’s definitely something I’m very proud of.”
For ten consecutive races, he went winless, but then came the rain in Interlagos, creating the perfect backdrop for a sporting feat that will be celebrated for years to come.
Helmut Marko embraced his protégé for a long time, but the entire team recognized Max as the game-changer of the 2024 season. “I think this is a very special championship,” Christian Horner emphasized. “Max achieved more than double the race wins of any other driver and clinched the title with two rounds to spare. He was by far the best driver on the grid, and I think what he did this year places him among the greats of the sport. It’s not just about numbers but how he drove—undeniable.”
In the annals of world champions, Verstappen now stands alongside Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel with four titles. Ahead of him are only Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton. At 27, no milestone is beyond his reach, provided Red Bull continues to give him the tools to compete for top honors and Max decides to remain in Formula 1 beyond 2028, a key point in his career decisions.
“There are always thoughts that cross your mind,” Max Verstappen explained. “Like, how much longer do I want to be here? Would I like to be somewhere else? Things happen in your private life and as a driver—things you deal with every day. But I’m relaxed. It’s important to separate your private life from your career, and I don’t think I’m someone who makes drastic decisions.”
“I’m very happy with where I am, and I think I’m very loyal to the team. I appreciate what they’ve done for me, taking me from Formula 3 and giving me a seat in Formula 1. Over the years, we’ve shared many emotions with key team members. There have been tough times when it would have been easy to walk away and forget everything, but I think it’s far more important to face challenges together and move forward as a united group. And to do it in a good atmosphere—if you’re not enjoying yourself, then there’s no point continuing.”
Max Verstappen has changed significantly over the years. Behind seemingly identical successes is a young man who has matured, smoothing out many of the rough edges that initially made him unpopular. You may like or dislike Max as a person, but he can’t be accused of presenting a false image. At the center of his world is motorsport. The smile he displayed after winning his fourth world championship was the same as when he tested an Acura IMSA car earlier in the week on the Las Vegas speedway. Max isn’t trying to explain life to anyone—he just wants to live his passion in peace. “For a few days, I won’t have to drive, right? So I can have a few beers, as the slogan goes… don’t drink and drive, and I won’t have to until the Qatar weekend.” – he concluded at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
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