Formula 1’s reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his unapologetically aggressive driving style has once again come under fire. After a series of contentious battles with Lando Norris during the 2024 season, Verstappen has dismissed his critics, claiming they lack the “champion mentality” required to win at the highest level.
Verstappen vs. Norris: Aggression on Display
The latter half of the 2024 season saw Verstappen grappling with a resurgent McLaren, driven by a fiery Lando Norris in the formidable MCL38. As Red Bull’s RB20 struggled with performance, Verstappen leaned heavily on his combative instincts to stave off his rival.
Two races in particular—the United States Grand Prix and the Mexico City Grand Prix—highlighted Verstappen’s uncompromising approach. In Austin, Verstappen forced Norris wide twice during an intense scrap for third place, capitalizing on a penalty issued to Norris for their second encounter. A week later in Mexico, Verstappen pushed Norris off track twice in a single lap, resulting in 20 seconds’ worth of penalties for the Dutchman.
While Verstappen managed to limit the damage in the championship fight, McLaren CEO Zak Brown was critical of the tactics: “Max is such an awesome racing driver, I just don’t think you need to drive like that.”
Verstappen: “Sometimes You Have to Cross a Line”
In a candid end-of-season interview, Verstappen responded to his detractors with characteristic bluntness.
“They don’t have the world champion mentality,” Verstappen said. “I will always go to the limit to get the most out of every race, and if I have to force it, then that’s just how it goes. Sometimes you have to cross a line. Well, I do.”
When asked specifically about the incidents in Mexico, Verstappen was unrepentant: “No, not at all. I think I won points there. I will always do everything to get the maximum result for a championship. Sometimes you have to go to the limit or over the limit, and not everyone understands that. Not everyone has that mentality.”
Channeling the Greats: Schumacher and Senna Comparisons
Verstappen’s willingness to push the boundaries draws comparisons to F1 legends Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, both of whom were known for their ruthless pursuit of success. Like these icons, Verstappen’s approach has sparked polarizing debates about the balance between fair play and winning at all costs.
Despite the criticism, Verstappen’s results speak for themselves. In the U.S. and Mexico, his aggressive tactics allowed him to gain points on Norris and maintain his championship lead. Without those critical moments, Verstappen’s fourth title could have been in jeopardy.
“I Would Have Won in the McLaren Sooner”
Adding fuel to the fire, Verstappen took a swipe at McLaren’s overall performance, suggesting the team isn’t yet ready to mount a serious drivers’ title challenge. “They’ve had a very good car this year, but it’s also clear that they still had a lot to learn to really constantly compete,” he said.
In a bold statement to De Telegraaf, Verstappen went further: “Whether I would have become champion in the McLaren? Yes! And a lot sooner too.”
A Divisive Figure in F1’s Modern Era
Verstappen’s comments and driving style have once again cemented his place as one of the most polarizing figures in Formula 1. To his supporters, he’s a fearless competitor willing to do whatever it takes to win. To his critics, he’s a driver who too often crosses the line.
What’s undeniable is Verstappen’s impact on the sport. Love him or hate him, his relentless pursuit of victory—and his willingness to defend it with fire—has made him one of F1’s defining stars. With four titles in the bag and a fifth in sight, Verstappen’s approach may be controversial, but it’s undeniably effective.