Max Verstappen has etched his name deeper into Formula 1 history by clinching his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship during the 2024 season. This triumph is not only a testament to his extraordinary driving talent but also a demonstration of resilience and adaptability in a season marked by dynamic challenges. From early-season dominance to overcoming mid-season struggles, Verstappen’s journey has been nothing short of iconic.
The season showcased intense battles, particularly with Lando Norris in the McLaren, who emerged as Verstappen’s most formidable rival. The narrative of the 2024 Formula 1 season will be remembered as one of determination, evolving rivalries, and a champion rising above all.
Red Bull’s Early Season Dominance
The season began with Red Bull Racing firmly in control. The RB20, an evolution of the dominant RB19, once again capitalized on its aerodynamic brilliance and mechanical reliability. Verstappen stormed to victory in the opening race in Bahrain, showcasing his usual flair for tire management and race strategy. The early part of the season followed a predictable pattern, with Verstappen securing wins in Saudi Arabia, China, Spain, and Canada, among others.
Red Bull’s technical advantage was particularly apparent in circuits that required high downforce and strong cornering speeds. Verstappen’s early dominance allowed him to open up a commanding lead in the Drivers’ Championship, setting a psychological tone for his competitors. By mid-season, he had an almost insurmountable points lead, appearing unstoppable.
Mid-Season Shift: McLaren and Ferrari Close the Gap
As the season progressed, the competition began to close in on Red Bull. McLaren, in particular, emerged as a serious contender. The team’s development program brought significant upgrades to the McLaren MP4/24, turning it into the fastest car on the grid in many respects. Its straight-line speed and high-speed cornering efficiency proved devastating on circuits such as Monza and Silverstone.
Lando Norris, McLaren’s lead driver, capitalized on this newfound performance. He took multiple victories, including in Miami, Silverstone, and the Netherlands, while consistently finishing on the podium in other races. Norris’s growth as a driver was evident in his wheel-to-wheel battles with Verstappen, with the pair frequently pushing each other to the limit.
Ferrari also enjoyed a resurgence, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz securing key victories. Leclerc’s flawless performance in Monaco and Sainz’s brilliant win in Mexico highlighted the Scuderia’s return to form. These rival teams not only disrupted Red Bull’s winning streak but also exposed the weaknesses in the RB20’s design.
The RB20’s Rear Wing Woes
One of the defining stories of the 2024 season was the RB20’s struggles with rear-wing stability. As other teams introduced aerodynamic upgrades, Red Bull’s design began to falter on circuits with long straights and high-speed braking zones. Tracks like Monza, Austin, and Las Vegas were particularly challenging for the team.
Verstappen, however, demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. While the car’s limitations became evident, Verstappen consistently maximized its potential. In Austin, he delivered a gritty drive to secure a podium finish despite starting outside the top five. Similarly, in Monza, a circuit where McLaren was expected to dominate, Verstappen finished second, showcasing impeccable tire management and racecraft.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix: Championship Glory
The penultimate race of the season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, was a defining moment. Heading into the event, Verstappen needed only a handful of points to secure his fourth Drivers’ Championship. However, the RB20 was ill-suited to the high-speed straights and low-grip surface of the Las Vegas circuit.
Qualifying was tough, with Verstappen managing only a P9 start after struggling to extract performance from the car. Meanwhile, Norris and Ferrari looked set to capitalize on Red Bull’s struggles. Despite this, Verstappen approached the race with his characteristic calm and focus.
In the race, Verstappen executed a masterful strategy. He managed his tires brilliantly, avoided incidents in a chaotic midfield battle, and climbed to fifth place by the checkered flag. While it wasn’t a victory, the points earned were enough to mathematically seal the Drivers’ Championship, a remarkable feat given the challenges he faced.
Lando Norris: A Rivalry for the Ages
If Verstappen’s dominance was the headline, Lando Norris was the breakout star of the 2024 season. The McLaren driver stepped up as Verstappen’s primary challenger, delivering some of the best performances of his career. Norris not only proved he could win races but also demonstrated the consistency needed to contend for a championship.
Norris’s victories in Singapore, Austin, and his home Grand Prix at Silverstone were particularly notable. His performances pushed McLaren to new heights, solidifying the team as a top-tier contender. Despite McLaren often having the fastest car in the second half of the season, Norris could not overcome the gap Verstappen had built early on. However, his progress suggests that the 2025 season could be even more competitive.
Verstappen’s Resilience
One of Verstappen’s defining traits in 2024 was his resilience. While the early-season narrative was about dominance, the second half was about grit and determination. Even when the RB20 was no longer the best car on the grid, Verstappen found ways to deliver results. His ability to adapt his driving style to suit the car’s limitations and extract every ounce of performance set him apart from his competitors.
Key moments, such as his victories in Brazil and Japan, showcased his racecraft and tactical awareness. These performances not only secured valuable points but also demoralized his rivals, reinforcing his position as the benchmark in Formula 1.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
As the 2024 season draws to a close, the focus shifts to the future. Can Verstappen continue his streak and claim a fifth consecutive title? Or will Norris and McLaren, armed with the fastest car, take the fight to Red Bull from the outset?
Ferrari, too, will be eager to build on their progress, while Mercedes, currently rebuilding, remains a wildcard. With new regulations set to come into play in 2025, the competitive landscape could shift yet again. However, one thing is clear: Verstappen’s dominance has set a high bar for anyone aiming to dethrone him.