The motorsport world is buzzing about Max Verstappen, the 27-year-old phenomenon who clinched his fourth Formula 1 World Championship at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. As the Dutchman cements his legacy, comparisons between Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel—another Red Bull legend with four titles—have sparked fresh debates. And none other than Fernando Alonso has thrown fuel on the fire.
Alonso Declares: Verstappen’s Titles Are “More Valuable” Than Vettel’s
In a post-race media interaction, Alonso was asked to weigh in on Vettel’s dominance from 2010-2013 versus Verstappen’s gritty 2024 campaign. Known for his candid takes, Alonso didn’t hold back:
“When Vettel won his titles, he had an incredible car with no competition,” Alonso remarked. “Are you saying Vettel’s titles are less valuable than Verstappen’s? Yes!”
This bold assertion stems from the stark differences between the two drivers’ championship-winning campaigns. While Vettel’s reign came during Red Bull’s unprecedented technical dominance, Verstappen’s 2024 triumph arrived amidst fierce competition, particularly from McLaren and Ferrari.
The 2024 Challenge: Verstappen Outpaces McLaren and Ferrari
Unlike previous seasons, Red Bull found itself on the back foot midway through 2024. McLaren, led by Lando Norris, emerged as the grid’s pacesetter in the latter half of the year. Despite lacking the fastest car, Verstappen’s consistency and ability to maximize results under pressure have been the hallmarks of his championship.
Even Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc joined the chorus of praise for Verstappen:
“First of all, a huge congrats to Max Verstappen for his 4th title, fully deserved. Now only two races to go, got to maximize everything on my side to try and take that P2 in the drivers’ championship and the constructors’ title. Let’s goooo!” Leclerc shared on social media.
The Battle for P2: Leclerc vs. Norris
Leclerc’s comments also carried a warning for Lando Norris, as the Ferrari driver is just 21 points behind him in the fight for second place in the Drivers’ Championship. With two races remaining, the battle between Ferrari and McLaren extends to the Constructors’ Championship, where Ferrari trails McLaren by a narrow margin.
Current Standings:
- Drivers’ P2 Fight: Lando Norris (McLaren) leads Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) by 21 points.
- Constructors’ Fight: McLaren narrowly leads Ferrari with just two races to go.
Verstappen’s Remaining Goals: Ending 2024 on a High Note
For Verstappen, the final two races present an opportunity to add to his victory tally and finish the season in style. While Red Bull’s Constructors’ hopes are all but extinguished, Verstappen’s focus will be on delivering maximum results in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The Legacy Debate: Verstappen vs. Vettel
Fernando Alonso’s comments have reignited a debate over the true measure of greatness. While Vettel’s four consecutive titles showcased Red Bull’s dominance, Verstappen’s 2024 success highlights the value of adaptability and resilience in less-than-ideal conditions.
The final word may never be unanimous, but one thing is clear: Verstappen is writing a new chapter in Red Bull’s storied history.
