Max Verstappen’s 2024 championship win might look dominant on paper, but this was no ordinary triumph. While Red Bull’s ace sealed his fourth title with two races to spare, the campaign was far from smooth sailing. McLaren and Lando Norris mounted a real threat, forcing Verstappen and Red Bull to dig deeper than ever to retain their throne in Formula 1.
As Norris reflected on missed opportunities, Verstappen and Red Bull delivered a masterclass in consistency, resilience, and opportunism. Here are the six key factors that made Verstappen the 2024 champion:
1. A Dominant Start Set the Foundation
Verstappen’s early-season blitz was crucial. Winning four of the first five races, including the Chinese Grand Prix, gave him a commanding lead. Red Bull’s ability to leverage its dominant 2023 form into an early 2024 advantage was pivotal.
“Most of the highs were in the beginning of the season where we were still competitive and winning races,” Verstappen said.
Meanwhile, McLaren struggled to get its upgrades on track. Norris himself admitted that the title was effectively lost in those opening six rounds.
“It was lost in the first six races of the year. That’s when Max dominated,” Norris lamented.
2. Norris and McLaren’s Growing Pains
While McLaren’s resurgence saw it eventually field the grid’s best all-around car, Norris struggled with crucial race moments. A string of missed chances from pole positions—including Spain, Hungary, and Brazil—cost him dearly.
“Only two wins from seven pole positions,” summed up the disparity between Norris’ qualifying prowess and race execution.
At times, Norris was too soft, losing out to rivals at key moments. Strategic hesitations from McLaren in mixed conditions, notably in Canada and Britain, added to the pain.
“McLaren’s inexperience in title fights showed,” Verstappen observed.
3. Verstappen’s Relentless Consistency
When Red Bull faltered, Verstappen delivered. Whether in a weaker car or unfavorable conditions, he refused to yield. His stunning wins in Canada, Spain, and a rain-soaked Brazil showcased his ability to capitalize on every opportunity.
Even during his 10-race winless run, Verstappen minimized damage. Second in Silverstone, fourth at Spa, and a podium in Singapore underscored his resilience.
“For 70% of the season, we didn’t have the fastest car, but we still extended our lead,” Verstappen proudly stated.
4. Mastering Wheel-to-Wheel Combat
Verstappen’s aggressive racing style often left Norris second-best in direct battles. Key moments like Austin and Mexico saw Verstappen push the limits of F1’s racing rules, leaving Norris frustrated but unable to retaliate effectively.
“He’s not put a foot wrong the whole year,” Norris admitted. “He has no downsides. He dominates with the fastest car and stays just behind us when he doesn’t.”
5. McLaren’s Internal Struggles
Team orders and intra-team dynamics added complexity to McLaren’s title bid. Oscar Piastri, in his rookie season, often matched Norris on pace and was allowed to fight him directly at times.
Whether in Hungary, where team orders delayed Norris’ progress, or in Italy, where Piastri was poised to win, McLaren’s refusal to fully prioritize Norris cost him valuable points.
“The net cost of team dynamics might be as much as 15 points,” pundits noted. “Minor, but it added up in a tight contest.”
6. Red Bull’s Mid-Season Recovery
Red Bull’s slump during the middle of the season was evident, but it rebounded thanks to technical updates and Verstappen’s adaptability. A crucial new floor introduced in Austin helped stabilize the RB20’s performance, ensuring Verstappen remained competitive in the season’s final stretch.
The team also waged a tactical campaign against rivals, reporting alleged flexi-wings and other potential rule breaches. Red Bull’s sharper focus and resource allocation paid dividends.
“At one point, we were a little bit lost,” Verstappen admitted. “But since Austin, we turned it around and got back in the fight.”
The Brazil Turning Point
If there was a defining moment in the season, it came at Interlagos. Starting 17th in treacherous wet conditions, Verstappen delivered one of the greatest drives of his career, scoring a critical win over Norris. This secured a massive points swing, effectively ending the title race.
A Worthy Champion
While McLaren proved itself as a serious contender, Verstappen’s consistency, racecraft, and sheer determination ensured that he remained untouchable. For Norris, 2024 was a year of hard lessons. For Verstappen, it was proof that even when pushed to the brink, he has the mettle to remain F1’s benchmark.
As the dust settles, it’s clear: this title wasn’t just won by Verstappen and Red Bull—it was also lost by McLaren and Norris.
