Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has lifted the curtain on Max Verstappen’s relentless drive and commitment behind the scenes that ultimately secured the Dutchman his fourth Formula 1 World Championship. Despite a turbulent season with intense competition from McLaren’s Lando Norris and performance slumps for Red Bull’s RB20, Verstappen’s unmatched determination led him to the top.
The Struggles That Tested a Champion
Unlike Red Bull’s dominant campaigns in 2022 and 2023, the 2024 season posed significant challenges. Balance issues with the RB20 midseason left the team fighting for pace against resurgent rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. However, Verstappen’s resilience kept Red Bull in contention.
“Through the summer months, when we were struggling a bit with the car, he [Max Verstappen] was still second in Silverstone and Zandvoort,” Horner explained. “He was still picking up big podiums and results.”
Even as Red Bull faltered, Verstappen’s ability to extract maximum performance from a suboptimal car ensured he remained firmly in the championship battle.
Beyond the Cockpit: Verstappen’s Hidden Workload
Horner revealed that Verstappen’s triumph wasn’t limited to his on-track brilliance. The four-time champion committed himself like never before, immersing himself in the development process at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters. From analyzing data to working closely with engineers and spending hours in the simulator, Verstappen’s dedication was unparalleled.
“Behind the scenes, he was putting a massive amount of effort in with the engineers, designers, and on the simulator – more than any of the previous years,” Horner shared.
This behind-the-scenes involvement helped Red Bull identify and address critical flaws in the RB20, enabling them to regain competitiveness in the latter half of the season.
An Inspirational Leader
Horner also highlighted Verstappen’s evolution into an inspirational figure within the team. His relentless focus and collaboration with Red Bull’s technical staff elevated not only the car’s performance but also the morale of the entire organization.
“He’s been outstanding this year – not only what he’s done inside the cockpit,” Horner praised. “The way he has conducted himself and worked with the engineers and all the technical staff has been phenomenal.”
Verstappen’s leadership extended beyond the track, as his proactive engagement helped steer Red Bull through a season fraught with challenges.
A Season for the Ages
Verstappen’s 2024 campaign has been hailed as his most hard-fought championship yet. With fierce competition from Norris and a much closer field, his ability to stay consistent and lead Red Bull’s recovery was instrumental. The Dutchman’s grit, paired with his technical feedback, played a pivotal role in turning the tide.
Even as the championship is secured, Verstappen remains focused on ending the year on a high note. With two races left, the Dutch driver is eager to close out the season in style, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of his generation.
“The hunger to win never stops,” Horner said. “Max is already looking ahead to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, determined to show why he’s the champion.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Red Bull gears up for the 2025 season, the focus shifts to ensuring Verstappen has a car capable of matching his immense talent. Horner’s insights into Verstappen’s work ethic provide a glimpse into why the 27-year-old remains the benchmark in Formula 1.
With a rejuvenated Red Bull team and Verstappen at the helm, 2025 could bring even more fireworks as he seeks his fifth title against an increasingly competitive field.
