Just after winning his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen takes a victory lap—both literally and figuratively. With his fifth place in the race sealing the deal against Lando Norris of McLaren, Verstappen has now responded to his critics, particularly McLaren CEO, Zak Brownwith a bold assertion:
He could have won the 2024 title in McLaren's MCL38—and done it even faster.
“Things like this only motivate me”
For much of 2024, Verstappen faced increased self-examination after Red Bull's mid-season struggles, allowing McLaren to surge ahead as the fastest package on the grid. Critics, led by Zak Brown, have questioned whether Verstappen's earlier dominance was solely down to the superiority of Red Bull's machinery. Brown even claimed that Verstappen would have struggled to win titles in a less dominant car.
But the Dutchman's triumph this year disproved that notion, with Verstappen proving that consistency, racing know-how and resilience are just as crucial as the car's raw performance.
“Things like that only motivate me,” Verstappen said, reflecting on Brown’s remarks. “If people are critical and think I can only win in the best car, I will prove them wrong.
“If I don’t get credit for this now, I don’t know what else I can do.”
“I would have won sooner with the McLaren”
McLaren's transformation into paddock leader in the second half of the season has transformed the Constructors' Championship into a thrilling three-way battle with Ferrari and Red Bull. While Norris led the charge for McLaren, Verstappen remained steadfast, constantly collecting points to maintain his lead.
When asked if he could have won the championship in the McLaren, Verstappen didn't mince his words.
“Would I have become champion with the McLaren? Yes ! And a lot earlier too.”
Verstappen even expanded his hypothetical scenarios to previous years:
- 2021 : “In another car I would have taken the title too.”
- 2022 : “It would have become more difficult because Ferrari was perhaps a little too fragile at the time.”
- 2023 : “It would have been a little trickier.”
Reflection on domination and defiance
Although 2024 was a tougher battle for Verstappen, he still managed to clinch the title with two races to spare. This feat also prompted him to return to his record season of 2023where he famously won 10 races in a row.
“Last year I had a dominant car, but I always felt like not everyone appreciated what we had achieved as a team,” Verstappen explained. “Winning 10 races in a row was incredible.
“Of course our car was dominant, but I think it wasn't as dominant as people thought.”
However, Verstappen sees 2024 as his most satisfying campaign yet:
“This season, for most of the season—70 percent of the season—we didn't have the fastest car. But we still extended our lead. It’s definitely something I’m very proud of.”
What's next for Verstappen?
With the Manufacturers' Championship still in play between McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull, Verstappen is now focused on helping his team finish strong in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. But his scathing criticism of detractors and unwavering faith in his abilities prove that, for Verstappen, the battle isn't just on the track—it's also about solidifying his legacy.
“I proved that I can win with or without the fastest car,” a conclu Verstappen. “And if that’s still not enough, I don’t know what is.”
