Max Verstappen described his 2024 Formula One season as his most impressive yet, despite not having the fastest car for much of the year. After securing his fourth consecutive title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen reflected on the challenges he faced this season, noting that, unlike his dominant 2023 campaign where he won 19 out of 22 races, he only managed eight victories so far in 2024. With just two races remaining, Verstappen acknowledged the strong competition from Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, making it unlikely he would reach double-digit wins this year.
Although Verstappen had a dominant car last year, he believes that people may have overestimated its superiority. He pointed out that even in races where the car wasn’t perfectly set up, the team still managed to secure victories. Verstappen expressed pride in his 2024 season, noting that for around 70% of the year, Red Bull did not have the fastest car, yet he still extended his championship lead. This resilience in the face of adversity made this season special for him, despite the more competitive environment.
The season began with Verstappen in impressive form, claiming seven pole positions and winning seven of the first ten races. However, he then endured a stretch of ten races without a win. The latter part of the season has been focused on maintaining his lead rather than adding more victories. Verstappen explained that each championship has been different in terms of emotions, with his first title being the most thrilling, as it represented the realization of his ultimate goal. However, he also appreciated the uniqueness of this season’s challenges.
Reflecting on his Las Vegas victory, Verstappen admitted that the race would not likely rank among his top ten when he looks back on his career in the future, but winning there was still a significant achievement. He concluded by sharing that, after a tough stretch of races, he felt a sense of relief upon crossing the finish line, adding that his win in Brazil, where he came from 17th on the grid in the rain, was one of the season's standout moments.
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