Max Verstappen’s 2024 season was a year of contrasts: it began with Red Bull dominance reminiscent of 2023 but quickly turned into a fierce battle against resurgent rivals. In a candid interview on Red Bull’s Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the highs, lows, and lessons from the season, offering a glimpse into his mindset and aspirations.
The Early Dominance
The year kicked off with Verstappen claiming seven wins in the first ten races, solidifying his reputation as the man to beat. But Red Bull’s RB20 faltered in mid-season development, allowing McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes to close the gap. Despite this, Verstappen ended the season as the top driver in a generation stacked with talent.
“I’m very proud of everyone, how we all stuck together. We didn’t panic; we worked to find improvements. That was great to see,” Verstappen said, crediting the team’s resilience.
Key Moments: Rainy Triumphs and a Vegas Grind
One standout moment for Verstappen was a wet race where he charged from P17 to victory, demonstrating his skill in adverse conditions.
“I like driving in the wet, but you never know what will happen. Step by step, I drove to the front again,” he recounted.
However, not all races held the same excitement. Speaking about Las Vegas, Verstappen admitted it wouldn’t rank among his career highlights:
“Honestly, I don’t think the race in Vegas will be in the top 100 of my races. It was not really exciting for me, but I did what I had to do.”
Off-track, he enjoyed the Vegas vibe, spending time with Dutch DJ Martin Garrix and soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Rivalries and Respect
Verstappen addressed his rivalry with Lando Norris, which turned intense as McLaren became a legitimate contender:
“People make it worse on social media, but Lando and I get on very well. On track, we’re fighting for a world championship. It’s normal for it to get tense sometimes, but off track, it shouldn’t matter.”
Lessons from a Tough Season
Despite setbacks, Verstappen took pride in how Red Bull tackled the challenges, especially after a dominant 2023 season.
“We came off a season where we basically dominated. I never expected it to be like that again, but I also didn’t expect it to be like it was in the middle of the season. Still, we didn’t just sit there upset; we got to work.”
Reflections on Championships
Verstappen spoke about the different emotions tied to each of his titles:
“The first one will always be the most emotional because it felt like my career was completed. The others are nice, but the first is the ultimate goal. This one was tough, and it reminded me how easily you can get used to success.”
Looking ahead, Verstappen emphasized that his focus isn’t solely on breaking records but on ensuring Red Bull remains competitive:
“It’s not about winning five in a row or how many in total. I just hope we’re competitive and can have incredible moments together again.”
The Red Bull Bond
Reflecting on his time with Red Bull, Verstappen highlighted the team’s unique atmosphere as a key to his success:
“I could always be myself, and I really like the team atmosphere. We’re all here to try and win, but these years fly by. Once you stop, you want to look back and realize you had a good time doing it.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Formula 1 gears up for another competitive season, Verstappen remains optimistic about Red Bull’s prospects:
“I’m very excited about what we’ll come up with for next year. I hope it’s quick enough because if it is, you all know I’ll do the rest!”
With his relentless drive and Red Bull’s determination to bounce back, the 2025 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in Verstappen’s already legendary career.