The 2024 F1 season was a true test of Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s resilience up front, after they no longer had the quickest car in the field.
It was a remarkable turnaround for rivals McLaren and Ferrari to overtake Red Bull on competitiveness, although the early wins for Verstappen enabled him to keep the points gap over 50 points throughout the season.
Lando Norris came to within 63 points of Verstappen, but a series of errors would ultimately cost the Briton a shot at the title. McLaren’s consistency throughout the season did enable them to snatch the Constructors’ crown from Red Bull, setting up what is likely to be a close battle between the pair in 2025.
Verstappen was also very consistent throughout the year, only dropping outside the top five with his eighth place in the Qatar GP Sprint race. The Dutchman took an impressive victory at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from P17, which effectively sealed his fourth title.
Discussing what the main takeaways are from the season in a Q&A for Team Redline, Verstappen revealed one thing he is more ‘proud’ of his team.
Max Verstappen proud of facing ‘tough moments’ with Red Bull
Verstappen’s previous two seasons before 2024 saw him win races with ease, with personnel from the team admitting that they were surprised at how they could turn up to races and just win them with minimal effort.
The 2021 title battle with Lewis Hamilton was the last time Verstappen had a challenge, although Red Bull was the underdogs in that scenario and chasing Mercedes.
Now they had to defend their crown in 2024, it was against a backdrop of controversy and key figures including Adrian Newey leaving the team. Verstappen is happy they could face the tough moments together as a team and still come out on top.
“Having to face the tough moments in that year is something I’m very proud of, because it’s easy to lose your head stressing about everything but I think we did very well to keep calm. One thing that was rewarding is how we kept it together as a team,” said Verstappen.
FIA clampdown set to impact Max Verstappen
Although it was a successful season for Verstappen, there were moments when things started to get heated in the cockpit.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen got himself into hot water after comments he made over team radio directed towards his Red Bull team over their handling of his strategy.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen’s biggest penalties in Formula 1
Verstappen would later get penalised by the FIA for swearing in an official press conference, with him forced to complete community service at the Prize Giving Gala later in the year.
The FIA has now stated that they will fine drivers for ‘misconduct’ with fines reaching as high as €120k (£101k) for a third offence, with team principals also affected as it encompasses all FIA licence holders.
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