Max Verstappen has carved his name even more deeply onto the illustrious stage of Formula 1, clinching his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship title at the glittering Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23, 2024. With this victory, Verstappen joins the elite ranks of racing greats like Sebastian Vettel, Alain Prost, and Juan Manuel Fangio, and inches closer to Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive championships, achieved from 2000 to 2004.
This year's championship, unlike the utter dominance showcased last season, was characterized by unpredictability and fierce competition. To highlight the depth of this season’s challenges, Verstappen only secured eight wins—his lowest tally since 2020—yet it turned out to be one of the most defining years of his career. The contrasting backdrop of previous seasons, where he claimed remarkable records like 19 victories during the 2023 season, set up heightened anticipation for the 2024 campaign.
Verstappen needed to finish just one position ahead of his nearest rival for the title, Lando Norris of McLaren, at the Las Vegas event to lock down the championship early. He managed to do just this when he crossed the finish line after racing from fifth position, fortifying his lead with 403 points overall. Norris, who had been applying serious pressure through the latter half of the season, has now fallen behind him by 63 points, leaving him with only two races to attempt to catch up—those being the Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Initially, the season began with confidence; Verstappen blazed through the first few races with victories at both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. But mechanical issues soon severely tested his mettle. A particularly unsatisfying race at Australia saw him retire early due to technical failures, leaving him reeling as rivals like Norris gained ground.
Despite setbacks, Verstappen’s resilience truly came through during the season. Competing amid fierce opposition from Ferrari and McLaren has sharpened both his focus and driving style. Many pundits have noted the remarkable composure and adaptability he displayed, especially when the Red Bull Racing car’s performance slipped compared to rivals. Filming through the loops of intense competition, Verstappen commented post-race, "Last year I had a dominant car, but I always felt not everyone appreciated what we achieved as a team. Of course the car was dominant, but it wasn't as dominant as people thought it was. So for sure, this is my best season because, even if we didn't have the best setup at times, we still managed to win races."
After weathering challenges throughout the mid-season—where he admitted the RB20 car felt like "undriveable"—Verstappen's determination to turn the tide culminated back-to-back wins at the Canadian and Spanish Grand Prix. Nonetheless, doubts persisted among fans and admirers concerning whether he would be able to fend off the surging competition led by Norris.
The Brazilian Grand Prix proved to be the catalyst Verstappen needed; enduring through nearly two months without victory, he stormed back with vigor, showcasing his expert wet-weather driving skills to secure his first triumph since June. This win substantially lifted his spirits and performance, restoring the faith many had placed on him as the series favorite.
At the Las Vegas event, the stage was set with all eyes eagerly watching Verstappen, who had to maintain his cool under the spotlight. The grand hotel-studded backdrops and tension of the racing weekend seemed no match for his steely resolve; he did what he had to, securing enough points with competent driving to fend off disappointments.
Verstappen’s experience behind the wheel was offset by his famously stubborn racing persona, which some regard as both brilliant and polarizing. A comment made prior to the Las Vegas Grand Prix said it all: “If someone tries to overtake me around the outside, I don’t intend to let them.” Those fiery attributes help solidify why, even when faced with fierce competition, Verstappen remains unyielding. While the likes of Norris and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc may debate technical prowess and car performance, Verstappen displayed the innate ability to maximally leverage his strengths.
Now, with two races left, the focus will shift from championship aspirations to contending team dynamics. While Red Bull Racing is firming up plans for offseason improvements and strategies, McLaren leads the Constructors' Championship, aided significantly by Norris's strong runs this season. The competitive narrative took on renewed fervor with his team principal Andrea Stella asserting only the team's early races were what held them back, rather than indicating their overall capability.
Following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen found himself not just celebrating his triumph, but gearing up to strategize for what lies head-on. The upcoming Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will be telling; whether Verstappen can transition his title win energy to maintain momentum or whether newcomers will challenge him fiercely remains uncertain. What’s clear, though, is if there’s one thing Max Verstappen has proven this season, it’s his grit and skill—qualities of not only a champion but of someone ready to take on any season thrown his way.
While one race's luster might dim with the passing of the calendar, this fourth title has surely set the tone for future seasons, leaving anticipation high as what’s next for the man who most observers now might reluctantly agree is carving out his own legend.
Verstappen echoed thoughts he had throughout the season: "Things like critics only fuel my desire to perform even more." The endurance of this F1 season has not only affirmed his winning spot, but it seems it has renewed his resolve to go beyond what’s ever been anticipated.
