Max Verstappen reflected on his remarkable achievement of securing his fourth Formula One world title, admitting that he "never thought" he would reach such a milestone when he first started in the sport. The 27-year-old Dutchmans title win in the 2024 season placed him in an elite group of four-time champions, joining the ranks of racing legends like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Alain Prost.
Verstappen's dominant start to the season, with seven wins in the first ten races, put him in a commanding position. However, a mid-season slump, where he went ten races without a win, made the title race more difficult. His victory in the rain-affected Brazilian Grand Prix set him on course for the championship, and his fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix confirmed the title with two races to spare.
Reflecting on his career journey, Verstappen said, "At 17, I was just happy to be there and dreaming of potential victories... just normal things that are already very difficult to achieve." He acknowledged that this season had been particularly challenging, both on and off the track, but emphasized the growth it had brought him. I am very proud of us as a team and in a way that makes it a very special and beautiful season, he added. Despite the challenges, he seemed to savor the competition, noting how this season had taught him many valuable lessons.
Verstappen also addressed rumors regarding his future at Red Bull, where he has won all four of his titles. He expressed his commitment to the team, stating, "We've been through a lot and this is special... I am just very proud to be part of the team." He further emphasized his focus on the future, saying, Theres definitely nothing on my mind. Nothing else on my mind.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Verstappens dominance throughout the season, saying, He's done an amazing job... He's in the form of his life, so as long as we can keep giving him a decent car, then he will keep delivering.
Lando Norris, who gave Verstappen a run for his money during the latter part of the season, congratulated his rival, acknowledging that while it was tough to accept the inevitability of the title race being over, Verstappen had delivered a spectacular season. "He drove an incredible season... He made my life tough, we made his tough at times, I'm sure, but he drove a better season," said Norris.
