In the aftermath of the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, racing icon Danica Patrick has made waves with her candid criticism of the race outcome. According to Patrick, the true deserving winner of the race was none other than reigning world champion Max Verstappen, not Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, who managed to secure podium finishes after an intense battle on the streets of Baku.

Patrick, known for her no-holds-barred opinions on the sport, voiced her disappointment following the unexpected results. Many fans and analysts had pegged Verstappen as the favorite going into the race, given his consistent performances throughout the season. However, the race took a surprising turn as Verstappen faced mechanical issues and strategic miscalculations that set him back, opening the door for Norris and Piastri to take the spotlight.

In an interview after the race, Patrick didn’t hold back her frustration with how the race played out. “Max Verstappen should have been the one holding the trophy,” she remarked. “He’s been dominating all season long, and to see him lose out because of factors beyond his control just doesn’t sit right with me. Lando and Oscar are great drivers, but let’s be honest, the winner wasn’t worthy compared to what Max could have achieved if everything had gone his way.”

The race was full of drama, with safety cars, pit strategy blunders, and on-track incidents reshuffling the order multiple times. Verstappen’s Red Bull team, typically sharp with their race tactics, struggled to adapt to the chaotic conditions of the Baku street circuit. This allowed Norris in his McLaren and Piastri in his Alpine to capitalize, with both young drivers showing immense skill and composure under pressure.

However, Patrick’s comments have sparked a debate among F1 fans and pundits. Some agree with her assessment, arguing that Verstappen was unlucky and remains the top driver on the grid, while others believe that Norris and Piastri earned their positions through merit, showing that they too are capable of delivering top-tier performances under the right circumstances.

“Lando and Oscar deserved their moment,” said one fan on social media, “but I can understand why Danica would feel that Max was unlucky. Racing is unpredictable, and sometimes even the best drivers can’t control everything.”

The 2024 Azerbaijan GP will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the more surprising races of the season, with Verstappen’s near-invincible aura being temporarily shattered. For Norris and Piastri, it marked a moment of triumph, proving that the younger generation of drivers is ready to challenge the dominance of established stars like Verstappen.

As the F1 season continues, all eyes will be on how Verstappen bounces back from this setback. With plenty of races still ahead, there’s no doubt that the Dutchman will be determined to prove why he’s considered one of the greatest talents in the sport. Meanwhile, Norris and Piastri will be looking to build on their success, eager to solidify their places among the sport’s elite.

Patrick’s comments, as always, have added fuel to the discussion surrounding F1’s current crop of talent, reminding fans that in motorsport, anything can happen—and sometimes, the most deserving driver may not always take the top step on the podium.