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Christian Horner and Max Verstappen Drop Bombshell on Red Bull’s 2024 Success: “70% Without the Fastest Car”

David Castro by David Castro
January 21, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Christian Horner Hails Verstappen’s US GP Podium as Vital for Red Bull’s Fightback

AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 20: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 20, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410200454 // Usage for editorial use only //

A Champion’s Struggle Behind the Crown

Max Verstappen’s 2024 Formula 1 championship may have looked like another dominant season from the outside, but the Dutchman and Red Bull’s Christian Horner have revealed a stark truth: for the majority of the year, Red Bull didn’t have the fastest car. Verstappen’s fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, clinched with two races to spare at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, was as much about grit, adaptability, and brilliance as it was about raw speed.

“Seventy percent of the season, we didn’t have the fastest car,” Verstappen said, reflecting on what might be the most challenging title run of his career. This startling admission not only redefines the narrative of his 2024 dominance but also underscores his extraordinary skill as a driver.


Early Domination, Then a Spiraling Decline

Verstappen set the tone for the season with an electrifying start, winning seven of the first 10 races and building a lead that appeared insurmountable. But the turning point came at the Miami Grand Prix, where McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed victory, exposing a critical vulnerability in Red Bull’s RB20.

From that point, the campaign became a battle for survival. Red Bull’s upgrades failed to deliver the expected results, and the car’s balance issues intensified, leading to a staggering 10-race winless streak. Verstappen, however, adapted like a true champion, eking out every ounce of performance from a machine that was far from perfect. His miraculous victory in Brazil from 17th on the grid cemented his legendary status, all but guaranteeing his title and silencing critics.


Horner: “Miami Was the Turning Point”

Christian Horner echoed Verstappen’s assessment, pointing to the Miami Grand Prix as the moment Red Bull’s dominance faltered. “The car was very difficult to drive, but Max was able to adapt and get the most out of it,” Horner explained. “By Monza, it looked like the championship was slipping away.”

Horner’s candid acknowledgment of Red Bull’s struggles paints a picture of a team fighting tooth and nail to stay competitive. Despite the setbacks, Verstappen’s consistency and ability to capitalize on rivals’ missteps kept him ahead of the pack.


Verstappen’s Edge: Skill Beyond Machinery

Verstappen’s 2024 campaign wasn’t just a testament to his driving prowess but also to his mental fortitude and leadership. “We worked very hard back at the factory, remained calm, and barely made mistakes,” Verstappen noted. His ability to maximize points even in adverse conditions proved pivotal in maintaining and extending his championship lead.

Horner went even further, declaring Verstappen “head and shoulders above his peers” in 2024. “Max has been the outstanding driver, absolutely. He’s part of the team—you win as a team and lose as a team. But his performance in the cockpit has been nothing short of inspirational.”


The Legacy of a Champion Under Pressure

The revelations from Verstappen and Horner reshape how fans and pundits will view Red Bull’s 2024 season. Far from an easy cruise to glory, it was a year defined by resilience, adaptability, and the sheer talent of a driver who transcended the limitations of his car.

With Red Bull determined to regain their edge in 2025, the pressure is on for the team to ensure their machinery matches the brilliance of their star driver. For Verstappen, 2024 may go down as his greatest championship yet—not because it was the easiest, but because it was the hardest-fought.

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