In its anniversary year, FORMULE 1 Magazine closely followed Max Verstappen on his global journey across 24 stops. Eight editors and three columnists share their most notable, personal memory of him in 2024. This time, it’s the turn of columnist Nelson Valkenburg.
Victory becomes routine. This applies to drivers, teams, commentators, and fans alike. Since Max entered Formula 1, the orange-clad fans have been thoroughly spoiled. And almost every year was better than the last. More victories, more dominant titles. It seemed endless.
This year, it suddenly ended. The car didn’t work. It wouldn’t steer. An old motorsport saying goes: understeering car, oversteering driver. And we certainly felt that. Max was constantly battling with the Red Bull and was very honest, and very vocal about it. Victories ceased. Instead of a 20-second lead at the finish, Max was suddenly no longer on the podium, and halfway through the year, he openly questioned whether he would win a race in 2024.
The orange fans doubted along with him, suffered with him, but only became louder in their support. Zandvoort and Hungary stand out most in my memory. The RB20 was far from the fastest car, and Verstappen had to struggle to keep up with the McLarens. But every time Max passed, his legion screamed louder than the previous round. It’s often said that Max Mania came about because he wins. But this year, we learned that the fans are there to support him. Goosebumps.
