The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a bittersweet chapter for Max Verstappen. While the Dutchman secured his fourth consecutive drivers’ title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Red Bull’s performance in the Constructors’ Championship has left much to be desired. With only two races remaining, the Milton Keynes-based team sits third in the standings, trailing McLaren and Ferrari by significant margins.
Red Bull’s Constructors’ Struggles: A Tale of Two Drivers
Red Bull has amassed 555 points this season, falling behind Ferrari’s 584 and McLaren’s 608. The gap is largely attributed to inconsistent performances from Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, whose struggles have hampered the team’s ability to challenge for the top spot. Verstappen’s dominance behind the wheel has not been enough to carry the team to Constructors’ glory.
When asked about the situation during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen’s response was blunt:
“I’m done with that too. I don’t care if it will be McLaren or Ferrari. It’s not us in any case, that’s quite clear.”
The statement highlights Verstappen’s detachment from the Constructors’ fight, seemingly resigned to the reality that Red Bull is no longer in contention.
Verstappen’s Night-Race Woes: Living in the Dark
Amid the intense racing schedule, Verstappen maintained his signature humor, reflecting on the current triple-header of night races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
“Well, with Vegas and now [Qatar], I’m kind of living in the dark all the time. It’s a bit, I wouldn’t say depressing, but I do need a bit of sunlight. I walk in the dark like a bat all the time.”
The comment adds a lighthearted touch to Verstappen’s otherwise serious demeanor, as the reigning champion balances the pressures of racing with his unique sense of humor.
A Pivotal Moment for Red Bull and Perez
For Red Bull, the remaining two races are an opportunity to salvage pride and end the season on a high note. However, the team’s focus may already be shifting to the future, as rumors swirl about Sergio Perez’s potential exit. Perez’s underwhelming performance has placed his seat in jeopardy, with several young drivers reportedly eyeing the coveted spot alongside Verstappen.
The likes of Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa are among the frontrunners for the 2025 Red Bull drive, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix potentially marking Perez’s final race with the team.
McLaren and Ferrari: The Battle at the Top
While Red Bull appears resigned to third place, McLaren and Ferrari continue their heated battle for Constructors’ supremacy. McLaren’s 608-point haul has been fueled by consistent performances from Lando Norris and rookie Oscar Piastri, while Ferrari’s resurgence owes much to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s tenacity.
The fight for the Constructors’ title is set to go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, adding a thrilling subplot to the season finale.
Conclusion: Verstappen Shines Amid Red Bull’s Team Struggles
Max Verstappen’s individual brilliance remains undisputed, but Red Bull’s struggles in the Constructors’ Championship underscore the importance of a strong second driver. As the season draws to a close, Verstappen has already cemented his legacy with a fourth title, while Red Bull faces a critical juncture in reshaping its lineup for 2025.
With McLaren and Ferrari battling for top honors, and Verstappen playing the role of spoiler in the remaining races, the 2024 season finale promises drama, intrigue, and high-stakes racing. For Red Bull, the focus now shifts to redemption—and rebuilding—for the seasons to come.