Just after winning his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen takes a victory lap—both literally and figuratively. With his fifth place finish in the race sealing the deal against Lando Norris of McLaren, Verstappen has now responded to his critics, particularly the CEO of McLaren, 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”
Throughout 2024, Verstappen has faced increased scrutiny after Red Bull's mid-season struggles allowed McLaren to move 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 deconstructed that notion, with Verstappen proving that consistency, handling and resilience are just as crucial as pure car performance.
“Things like that only motivate me,” Verstappen said, reflecting on Brown’s remarks. “If people are critical and think I can only win with 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 in 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 in the McLaren? Yes ! And a lot earlier too.”
Verstappen even extended his hypothetical scenarios to previous years:
- 2021 : “In another car I would have taken the title as well.”
- 2022 : “It would have been more difficult because Ferrari was perhaps a little too fragile at the time.”
- 2023 : “It would have been a little trickier.”
Reflection on Dominance and Distrust
Although 2024 was a tougher battle for Verstappen, he managed to clinch the title with two races to spare. This accomplishment also pushed him to revisit his record season of 2023where he notably won 10 consecutive races.
“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 don’t think it was 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 awaits Verstappen?
With the Manufacturers' Championship still in play between McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull, Verstappen is now focused on helping his team finish in style 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 I could win with or without the fastest car,” a conclu Verstappen. “And if that still isn’t enough, I don’t know what could.”
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