The 2024 Formula 1 season wasn’t a walk in the park for Max Verstappen—far from it. For the first time in years, the Dutchman didn’t have the fastest car on the grid. Red Bull’s dominance cracked, McLaren surged, and Verstappen had to dig deeper than ever before. But in true champion style, he didn’t just survive the storm—he mastered it.
According to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, this season of struggle forced Verstappen to evolve, sharpening his strategic mindset and making him even more dangerous on track. And the results? A fourth consecutive F1 title—arguably his most impressive yet.
A season of struggle: How Verstappen conquered Red Bull’s decline
At the start of the season, it seemed like business as usual. Verstappen stormed to four wins in the first five races, crushing the competition. But then came Miami, where Lando Norris and McLaren flipped the script. That race marked a turning point—the start of Red Bull’s struggles.
With the MCL38’s relentless upgrades, McLaren became the new benchmark, while Red Bull’s balance issues worsened. Suddenly, Verstappen no longer had a rocket ship at his disposal. Red Bull even lost its grip on the Constructors’ Championship, falling behind McLaren.
But Verstappen? He never lost control.
Instead of panicking, he adapted. He played the long game, maximizing every result, picking his battles, and taking every point possible. The defining moment? Brazil.
Starting 17th on the grid, in treacherous wet conditions, Verstappen delivered one of the greatest comeback drives in F1 history, storming through the field to claim a breathtaking win. That victory ended a 10-race drought and all but sealed the title.
Horner believes this challenging season transformed Verstappen, teaching him a new level of patience and tactical awareness.
“He would love to win every race, but on the days he can’t win, he’s taking the maximum points,” Horner told RacingNews365. “He is looking at the bigger picture now, and that just comes with experience.”
Verstappen’s future: F1’s reigning king eyes a new chapter
Despite dominating Formula 1, Verstappen has made it clear: he won’t be around forever. Unlike past legends who chased records for decades, the Dutch star has other ambitions. He wants to conquer different racing disciplines, and when he does decide to leave, it will be final.
“My next step, if there is one, will be my last,” Verstappen told Sky Italia. “That could also mean that I renew my existing contract. Everything is still possible at the moment.”
But beyond his career path, Verstappen also struggles with something off the track—his global fame. While he’s one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he doesn’t crave the spotlight like some of his predecessors.
“He is not a guy that fame sits comfortably with,” Horner admitted. “He doesn’t court adulation. He just loves driving fast cars, and he’s a unique guy. He deserves all the plaudits that his driving has produced.”
With his Red Bull contract running until 2028, Verstappen still has plenty of time to cement his F1 legacy. But if 2024 proved anything, it’s that even when the odds are stacked against him, he will find a way to win. And that’s what makes him one of the all-time greats.
