Max Verstappen started the 2024 Formula 1 season impressively. The first Grand Prix was completed, showing Red Bull’s dominance. Verstappen led the race from start to finish, securing a victory.
During the press day, drivers participate in various interviews. In one of these interviews, the current world champion was asked about his top three competitors for the championship. Verstappen confidently named himself, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton and Leclerc, who will be future teammates as podium finishers for Ferrari, would be a dream scenario. However, Verstappen did not mention his former teammate from last season, Sergio Perez, nor his close friend and rival, Lando Norris.
A video of Verstappen sharing his predictions for the 2024 season went viral, leading to various speculations. People wonder why he did not mention the names of his competitors and if he underestimates their abilities. However, it is important to remember that these are just predictions and there are still 23 races to determine the season’s outcome.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the 2024 season, there was controversy involving a colleague accusing Red Bull team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior. Although Horner was cleared of the allegations before the Bahrain GP, leaked messages added fuel to the controversy.
Red Bull, the most dominant team of the past two seasons, may face consequences due to this controversy. Verstappen set a new record by winning the Bahrain GP with a time of 1:31:44 seconds. Hamilton trailed behind by 25.110 seconds, and Perez was 22.457 seconds behind. The current world champion carried the weight of the controversy on his shoulders.
Verstappen started this season in a similar way to the last one, aiming to surpass the achievements of the previous year. His performance in both qualifying and the race was crucial. As a consistent winner for the Red Bull team in the last three seasons, Verstappen has shown admirable skills.
