Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen has faced his share of criticism and challenges in 2024, but advisor Helmut Marko remains resolute in defending the Dutchman’s place among Formula 1’s all-time greats. Marko, in a passionate column for Speedweek, praised Verstappen’s mental and driving maturity, while taking aim at what he calls “unbalanced” coverage from the English media during Verstappen’s fourth World Championship campaign.
Marko on Media Criticism: A Bias Against Champions?
Verstappen’s 2024 season wasn’t just about dominating the field—this time, he had to fight for glory in a car that wasn’t always the fastest. Still, Marko believes that Verstappen’s achievements haven’t been properly acknowledged, particularly by certain sections of the UK media.
“Max has matured further this year,” Marko wrote. “He was the best mentally, as a driver, and in one-on-one combat.”
Marko attributed some of the criticism to a “phenomenon” in F1 where emerging stars, like Britain’s Lando Norris, are often given more sympathy than established champions. Norris, who mounted his first serious title challenge in 2024, has become a fan favorite and media darling, which Marko feels has overshadowed Verstappen’s brilliance.
“But Max doesn’t care,” Marko added. “He always says what he thinks and shows his emotions, and I think that’s right.”
The 2024 Season: A True Test of Verstappen’s Brilliance
After years of Red Bull dominance, 2024 forced Verstappen to dig deeper, as McLaren’s resurgence and a competitive field made the title fight one of the tightest in years. While Verstappen won seven of the first 10 races, Lando Norris and McLaren began asserting their authority mid-season, with Norris clinching wins in Miami, Zandvoort, and Singapore.
The title fight took a dramatic turn at the Austrian Grand Prix, where a late collision between Verstappen and Norris cost both drivers a shot at victory, handing an unexpected win to George Russell. From that point, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris intensified, with McLaren narrowing the gap to Red Bull.
Despite McLaren’s late-season surge, Verstappen clinched the championship in Las Vegas, fending off Norris’ persistent challenge. Marko singled out Verstappen’s wet-weather masterclass in Brazil as a defining moment.
“At Interlagos, Max outclassed everyone,” Marko wrote. “It was a ‘World Cup’ drive that proved once again that he is one of the best in the sport.”
Norris vs. Verstappen: A Rivalry for the Ages
Lando Norris’ rise as a legitimate championship contender brought a fresh dynamic to the 2024 season. His maiden win in Miami and consistent performances throughout the season made him a formidable rival for Verstappen.
Their battle wasn’t just a clash of talent but also personalities. Verstappen’s fiery, straightforward demeanor contrasts sharply with Norris’ affable and charismatic approach, further fueling the narrative of an emerging star challenging an established champion.
While Norris fell short of the title, the rivalry set the stage for an exciting 2025 season, with both drivers poised to continue their fight for supremacy.
Verstappen’s Legacy: One of the Greats
Since his controversial first title win in Abu Dhabi 2021, Verstappen has established himself as the benchmark in Formula 1. Dominating the sport for two years after his maiden championship, the Dutchman proved in 2024 that he can still triumph in adversity.
Marko concluded his defense of Verstappen by emphasizing his unparalleled growth. “If anyone had said at the beginning of the year that he would wave Lewis Hamilton and the two Ferraris past because he was thinking about the World Championship, that would have been declared nonsense. But he did it because he knows what he has to concentrate on.”
Can Verstappen Stay on Top?
As Red Bull looks to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season, Verstappen’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure will remain crucial. With Norris and McLaren gaining ground, the road ahead won’t be easy. But as Marko insists, Verstappen’s mental and driving superiority make him one of the all-time greats—and the man to beat in 2025.
