What a year it has been! Max Verstappen clinched the world title for the fourth time in a row, while also securing eight victories along the way. What makes Verstappen’s performance this year even more impressive is that he achieved this while grappling with the quirks of the RB20. His closest title rival, Lando Norris, also put the Dutchman under pressure on several occasions. However, none of this phased Verstappen, who arguably drove his finest race ever in Brazil. The Limburger was certainly very pleased with this victory, as can be seen in the image above.
The Year of Max Verstappen in Review:
Well begun is half done! Max Verstappen started 2024 the same way he ended 2023: victorious. He claimed victory at the GP Bahrain, finishing on the podium alongside teammate Sergio Pérez (Motorsport Images).
Two years after his last dropout in Australia, Verstappen unfortunately faced the same fate this year in Melbourne. Smoke was seen coming from the RB20 in the early laps of the race, leaving the Red Bull driver with no choice but to end his race in the fourth round (Motorsport Images).
But Verstappen is not a driver to be easily discouraged, and he bounced back in the next Grand Prix. The Dutchman won the Japanese race with a comfortable twelve-second lead over teammate Sergio Pérez (Motorsport Images).
After the celebration at Suzuka, Verstappen won four of the next six races, with the last in this series being the Grand Prix of Spain. The circuit where Verstappen claimed his very first Grand Prix victory would also be the site of his last win for quite some time… (Motorsport Images).
2024 Title Rivals: Max Verstappen and Lando Norris
For a long time, things were going well between 2024 title rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, until the Austrian Grand Prix. The two had been battling fiercely for several laps, but in lap 64, disaster struck. The drivers collided, giving George Russell the opportunity to seize victory.
Verstappen’s Misfortune at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Verstappen also faced difficulties during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he encountered his old rival, Lewis Hamilton. The encounter proved less advantageous for the Dutch driver than for the Brit. Verstappen literally flew off the track and ultimately did not finish higher than fifth place.
Verstappen’s Struggles During the Summer Break
The low point for Verstappen’s car, the RB20, came around the summer break. The Dutchman even referred to the car as a ‘monster’ in Monza. As a result, Verstappen did not win his home race, the Dutch GP, and had to settle for second place.
“Despite the ongoing issues with the RB20, Max Verstappen was able to rise above his equipment. He got the job done in Las Vegas: he became world champion for the fourth time.
Verstappen’s final victory of the year was in Qatar. His sister, Victoria Verstappen, and mother, Sophie Kumpen, cheered the champion on from the sidelines. Will Verstappen take the title again in 2025? Who knows. The driver has certainly shown that he doesn’t need the best equipment to get the job done.”
