In a reflection on the 2024 season, Max Verstappen responded to the intense criticism he received regarding his driving style. His battles with Lando Norris were particularly scrutinized, with incidents in Austria, Austin, and Mexico. However, Verstappen remains unapologetic: according to him, it’s part of a world champion’s mentality to push to the limit, even if it’s controversial.
Rivalry with Norris: Verstappen Under Fire
After a dominant start to the season, Verstappen faced competition from McLaren and Ferrari halfway through 2024. The battle with Norris became particularly intense. During the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen was even penalized twice with a ten-second time penalty for pushing Norris off the track. These actions led to criticism from fans, media, and Zak Brown alike. The McLaren CEO argued that Verstappen doesn’t need to drive this way given his talent: “Max is a great driver, but I just don’t think you need to drive like that.” Yet, Verstappen has no regrets. In an end-of-year interview with Viaplay, he said, “Sometimes you have to cross the line to achieve the maximum result. If I have to force that, I will. Only champions understand that mentality.
‘McLaren Lacks Championship Mentality’
Alongside criticism of his driving style, Max Verstappen also took a swipe at McLaren. According to him, the team demonstrated a lack of experience in the battle for the titles. He specifically pointed to their half-hearted use of team orders, which could have better positioned Norris in the championship. “They’ve had an excellent car this year, but they’ve missed opportunities. McLaren could have been better prepared to really let Norris compete for the title.” He suggested that McLaren’s approach is a reflection of their limited experience with a consistent title fight.
Pushing the Boundaries: A Conscious Choice
Verstappen emphasizes that he always does everything to achieve the best result, even if that means taking risks or pushing beyond the limit. For him, that’s simply how you become a champion. “I have no regrets about my actions in Mexico. I even think I gained points there. A champion must always go to the extreme,” Verstappen said about his mentality.
