There were a few stages during the 2024 Formula 1 season where it looked like Max Verstappen may not claim a fourth consecutive world championship.
But even when things got tough, he hung in there and won it with two races to spare at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
In the end, the might of the Dutchman proved too much for McLaren and Lando Norris, even though they had the faster car for a while.
Consistency was a huge factor for Verstappen, who didn’t lose his head and kept accumulating points even when the win was out of the question – it’s what makes him so formidable.
2024 F1 championship fight ‘taught’ Max Verstappen ‘a lot’
A large reason why Red Bull are enjoying any success this season is the Max Verstappen factor – would any other driver on the grid have achieved what he has managed to?
Just look at how much Sergio Perez, a very serviceable driver, has struggled and faltered at the hands of the RB20.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after winning his fourth title, he shared his overall views on the 2024 as a whole.
READ MORE: Jenson Button shares what’s impressed him the most about Max Verstappen’s fourth F1 championship
“For sure, it was a very challenging season. I think also as a person, at times it’s very challenging and I had to be calm.
“In a way – I still prefer last season, I enjoyed that a lot, but I think this season definitely again taught me a lot of lessons that I’m very proud of how we handled it also as a team. So, in a way that also makes it a very special and beautiful season.”
How will Red Bull fare in 2025?
The trend is headed in a worrying direction for Red Bull in 2025 though, no matter the heroics of Verstappen on the track.
They haven’t been dominant for a while, and historically, the sport is at its most competitive during the last season of technical regulations.
Backed up by seven drivers winning multiple races for the first time in 2024, and all of a sudden it looks like achieving five titles in a row will require a monumental effort.
READ MORE: Martin Brundle gives his verdict on whether Max Verstappen is F1’s greatest-ever driver after winning 2024 title
He may have to face his old nemesis Lewis Hamilton too, who joins Ferrari and lines up alongside the incredibly talented Charles Leclerc.
The anticipation will be sky-high when the sport arrives in Melbourne (yes, Australia), for the season-opener again in 2025.
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