As Formula 1 roars back to life at the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finds himself leading the championship, but the margin isn’t as comfortable as it once was. Five drivers—Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz, and Lewis Hamilton—are separated by just 49 points, all eager to dethrone the reigning champion as the season heads into its final 10 races.
Despite holding a 78-point lead, Verstappen is well aware of the competition closing in. Speaking ahead of his home race at Zandvoort, the Dutchman singled out Lando Norris as his closest rival but acknowledged that any of the chasing pack could pose a serious threat. “Lando is closest, but with so many cars and drivers capable of winning races, it’s really unpredictable,” Verstappen noted. “It’s very close, and small details can make a big difference.”
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Red Bull. After a dominant start, where Verstappen and Red Bull seemed poised to continue their stranglehold on the championship, the gap has steadily narrowed. Teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes have finally caught up after enduring two years of Red Bull dominance. This shift has led to an extraordinary season with six different race winners, the most diverse set of victors in over a decade.
However, the summer break couldn’t have come soon enough for Verstappen, whose recent performances have been far from flawless. A disappointing Belgian Grand Prix saw him start from 11th on the grid due to an engine penalty and struggle to fight for the win—a rare sight for the man who has often appeared unbeatable.
Red Bull’s quest for a third consecutive Constructors’ Championship now looks uncertain, with Sergio Perez failing to deliver consistent results. Verstappen knows that Red Bull must find another gear if they are to fend off the resurgent competition. “I’m not worried, but we need to improve,” Verstappen admitted. “The last few races have been tough, and we need to learn from that. If we can make the car better, it’ll make our lives easier, but it’s tight margins.”
While Verstappen still holds the upper hand, the pressure is mounting. Lando Norris, bolstered by his strong performances earlier in the season, is determined to challenge for the title. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz, and Lewis Hamilton are all within striking distance, each bringing their own set of strengths to the battle.
As the season enters its crucial final phase, the championship is far from decided. Verstappen may be the favorite, but with five drivers hot on his heels, the race to Abu Dhabi promises to be one of the most exciting in years. The Dutch Grand Prix could set the tone for what’s to come—whether Verstappen will extend his lead or if one of his rivals will close the gap and make a serious bid for the crown.
Photo from Lando Norris Instagram
