Max Verstappen secured his fourth World Championship after a thrilling finish ahead of Lando Norris at the 2024 Las Vegas GP. Although this victory was arguably his hardest since his 2021 title triumph, Verstappen managed to hold onto his crown with two races left in the season. However, as the celebrations wind down, Verstappen faces several uncertainties about his future in Formula 1.
While Red Bull isn’t as dominant as it was a year ago, and with new regulations set to take effect in 2026, Verstappen isn’t focused on chasing records like those held by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Instead, he’s taking a pragmatic approach to his career, acknowledging the importance of momentum and a strong team.
“You need to have that momentum as well. You need to have the right team to be able to achieve that for a long period of time. It’s not something that I set out to do. Of course, if it happens, it happens. But I’m already very proud to win four,” Verstappen remarked.
For Verstappen, each championship holds equal significance, and with four already under his belt, surpassing records like seven world titles isn’t his primary goal. Yet, that doesn’t mean he won’t keep fighting for more wins.
2024 was particularly remarkable for Verstappen, as he clinched the title despite driving what was considered the third-fastest car on the grid. In fact, his victory marked the first time since 1982 that a driver from a team ranked below third in the standings won the championship. This unexpected success made Verstappen even more determined to continue competing.
In Las Vegas, Verstappen took a moment to remind McLaren CEO Zak Brown of his earlier comments about Verstappen only winning with the “fastest car.” Verstappen’s victory in 2024 proved him wrong, showcasing his ability to outperform expectations.
Although Red Bull started the season strong, with Verstappen dominating early races, his consistency was key to securing the title, even when the car’s performance faltered mid-season. He secured valuable points and showed remarkable skill, outpacing his teammate Sergio Perez by over 200 points. Despite Red Bull’s potential shortfall in the constructors’ championship, Verstappen’s achievement stands out.
Looking ahead to 2025, Verstappen’s rivals, such as McLaren and Ferrari, may have improved cars, and it will be intriguing to see how he adapts to the challenge. Regardless, his drive and determination make it clear he’ll be gunning for more success on the track.
