Even champions have moments of doubt, and for Max Verstappen, the 2024 Formula 1 season was no exception. Despite securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas, Verstappen revealed how Lando Norris’ victory at the Miami Grand Prix planted seeds of uncertainty that harkened back to his turbulent title defense in 2022.
The Miami Flashpoint
Heading into Miami, Red Bull’s dominance seemed untouchable, but McLaren’s Lando Norris upset the balance by clinching a decisive win. Verstappen admitted the loss triggered concerns about the championship slipping away, especially as McLaren’s upgrades turned the MCL38 into a formidable force.
“From Miami onwards, most of the time, we were not the quickest anymore,” Verstappen said. “It was still early in the season, and a 50- or 60-point lead can be overturned quickly if you don’t maximize results.”
The Miami defeat brought back memories of Verstappen’s 2022 title fight, where he overcame a 46-point deficit after two early-season retirements.
“I’ve experienced being 30, 40 points down. Anything is possible,” Verstappen recalled. “That was always in the back of my mind.”
The Turning Point: Monza and Red Bull’s Struggles
Red Bull’s struggles peaked at the Italian Grand Prix, where Verstappen described the RB20 as a “monster” and questioned whether winning the title was realistic. Even team principal Christian Horner admitted Monza was a low point:
“That’s when it looked like the championship was slipping away,” Horner said. “We had a significant disadvantage to McLaren, Ferrari, and even Mercedes at that stage.”
Horner also confirmed Verstappen’s claim that Red Bull didn’t have the fastest car for 70% of the season, a rare vulnerability for a team that has dominated F1’s ground-effect era.
Norris and McLaren’s Resurgence
Lando Norris emerged as Verstappen’s fiercest rival, leading McLaren’s charge with their vastly improved MCL38. Norris, who trailed Verstappen by 84 points early in the season, narrowed the gap with consistent podium finishes and multiple wins but fell short of sustaining the momentum to take the fight down to the wire.
Despite Red Bull’s struggles, Verstappen’s adaptability and consistency kept him ahead.
“It’s just about focusing on what I could control within the team and giving everything every weekend,” Verstappen said.
A Testament to Resilience
The 2024 season highlighted Verstappen’s resilience in the face of adversity. Red Bull’s mid-season woes forced him to dig deep, managing to maintain his lead while the RB20 lagged behind rivals. Verstappen’s ability to adapt to a difficult car underscored his dominance as a driver.
“Max was able to adapt and get the most out of it, even when the car was challenging,” Horner praised.
Looking Ahead: Lessons from 2024
While Verstappen ultimately prevailed, the season served as a warning for Red Bull. The rise of McLaren and Ferrari, coupled with Mercedes’ occasional brilliance, suggests the gap at the top is closing.
“Miami was a turning point,” Horner admitted. “We’ve improved the car in the latter races, but the challenge from our rivals was real.”
For Verstappen, the season reaffirmed his mental toughness and ability to thrive under pressure. As F1 gears up for 2025, the reigning champion knows the fight will only get tougher—and he’s ready for it.
