Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen continues to shine as one of Formula 1’s brightest stars, dominating the drivers’ championship over the past four seasons. As the 2024 campaign wraps up, Verstappen has opened up about his admiration for another F1 legend: Sebastian Vettel.
Verstappen and Vettel: A Bond Beyond Racing
Though Vettel retired at the end of the 2022 season, his legacy as a four-time champion with Red Bull Racing (2010–2013) remains etched in the sport’s history. Verstappen, who has followed in Vettel’s footsteps as Red Bull’s linchpin, shared how their relationship has grown over time.
“We app each other after almost every race,” Verstappen said. “Sebastian is very nice; I like him a lot.”
Both drivers are celebrated for their Red Bull tenures, each redefining the team’s success during their respective eras. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has frequently lauded their contributions, calling them cornerstones of the team’s legacy.
Red Bull’s Challenges in 2024
While Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in 2024, Red Bull faced stiff competition in the Constructors’ standings, ultimately losing out to McLaren. The Woking-based team claimed its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998 with a dominant performance, amassing 666 points to Red Bull’s 589.
Verstappen acknowledged the struggles Red Bull faced in the latter half of the season, with the RB20 falling behind McLaren’s MCL38 and Ferrari’s SF-24 in raw pace. Frustration often bubbled over for Verstappen, who saw Red Bull’s dominance wane after the mid-season break.
“We won’t be the favourite next year, but that’s okay,” Verstappen said. “We had problems, and now we have to get going and change things. In the last 12 or 13 races, we were not the fastest. We have to change a lot to be first, but maybe it’s also good not to be the favourite for once.”
The Fight for 2025: A Preview
With McLaren riding high and Ferrari also making gains, the battle for supremacy in 2025 is shaping up to be intense. Verstappen is under no illusions about the challenges ahead, especially as the teams gear up for the final year of the ground-effect regulations before the seismic changes of 2026.
For Red Bull, reclaiming its spot at the top will require addressing the performance inconsistencies of the RB20 and ensuring the new car, the RB21, can deliver results across a wider range of circuits. Verstappen’s focus and leadership will be critical as the team navigates this transition.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be a closely contested affair, with Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari all vying for supremacy. For Verstappen, the year presents an opportunity to add to his championship haul and further cement his legacy. However, it will also test the resilience of a team that has thrived under pressure but now faces its stiffest competition in years.
As the Dutchman continues his reign, his friendship with Vettel and lessons learned from a challenging 2024 could provide the perspective needed to tackle what lies ahead.