Carlos Sainz has commended Max Verstappen for his remarkable composure and skill in securing his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, praising the Dutchman as the “driver of the year” in a season where Red Bull’s dominance was no longer assured. Verstappen clinched the title after finishing fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Verstappen’s Triumph: Skill Over Machinery
In a season that saw Red Bull’s RB20 lose its performance edge, Verstappen’s success has been attributed to his exceptional talent and ability to remain cool under pressure. Despite facing stiff competition in the second half of the season, the Dutchman secured eight wins and 13 podiums, silencing critics who previously attributed his titles to Red Bull’s dominance.
Carlos Sainz, a former teammate of Verstappen at Toro Rosso, highlighted this transformation:
“Max has done an incredible job this year. In the first half, he dominated with a superior car, but in the second, with eight very close drivers, he demonstrated great skill by avoiding mistakes under pressure. This made him, for me, the driver of the year and allowed him to win the title.”
Beating the Pressure: Verstappen’s Key to Success
Sainz pointed to Verstappen’s ability to maintain focus and avoid errors as the defining factor in his championship triumph. In a season where small mistakes cost other drivers valuable points, Verstappen’s unshakable consistency proved decisive.
“Others have made mistakes where Max has come up trumps,” Sainz noted, emphasizing Verstappen’s mental fortitude in high-pressure scenarios.
Sainz Reflects on Las Vegas and the Future
The Las Vegas GP, returning to the F1 calendar in 2023 after decades, was a challenging weekend for many drivers due to its 23:00 local start time and cold temperatures. Sainz, who secured a podium during the event, called on the FIA to reschedule future Las Vegas races to an earlier time.
“I would bring the race forward by a few hours if I could,” Sainz said. “That would help everyone in the paddock, everyone who works here in this sport. It would create a healthier and better mood over the weekend.”
A Stellar Performance Amid Change
As Sainz prepares to leave Ferrari for Williams Racing in 2025, his strong showing in Las Vegas underscored his continued relevance in the sport. The Spaniard will now turn his focus to helping Ferrari fight for the Constructors’ Championship, with the team trailing McLaren by 24 points heading into the final two races of the season.
Verstappen’s Legacy and Sainz’s Determination
With his fourth title, Verstappen has cemented himself as one of Formula 1’s finest, proving that his success isn’t solely tied to Red Bull’s engineering prowess. For Sainz, who continues to evolve and deliver standout performances, the 2024 season offers a chance to close this chapter with Ferrari on a high note.
As the season nears its conclusion, the spotlight shines brightly on Verstappen’s dominance and Sainz’s resolve to leave Ferrari with a parting gift: helping secure second place in the Constructors’ standings.
