As Formula 1 stands on the eve of the final triple header, Max Verstappen reflects on the 2024 season. The Dutchman reveals his strategy and explains how he often manages to exceed his own expectations and those of his equipment. He also discusses how he has dealt with the internal conflict between team boss Christian Horner and his father, Jos Verstappen.
On the eve of the Grand Prix weekend in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen may also be on the verge of securing his fourth world title. It is not often in the history of Formula 1 that a driver wins the world championship while his team is on track to finish ‘only’ third in the constructors’ championship.
BBC Sport asks the Dutchman how he so often manages to exceed his own expectations. “I always demand a lot from myself,” Verstappen explains. “I always strive to achieve the best possible result, and I hate making mistakes. I put that pressure on myself every weekend. If you want to win a championship, you can’t afford poor results.
Verstappen’s Driving Style and Team Dynamics in the 2024 Season
Throughout the 2024 season, Max Verstappen‘s driving style frequently took center stage. The Dutch driver faced significant criticism, particularly following the Grands Prix in Austin and Mexico. The way Verstappen defended against his closest rival, Norris, during the American race sparked extensive debate, even leading to a change in regulations.
“If the roles were reversed, I don’t think I would be the one to complain so vehemently,” Verstappen stated. “I would simply think, ‘Okay, if those are the rules, then that’s how we’ll play,’ rather than demanding a change in regulations.”
A Normal Working Relationship Amidst Team Turmoil
The controversy surrounding Verstappen’s defensive tactics was not the only distraction for the Red Bull driver. There was also considerable internal turmoil within his team this season. Jos Verstappen even suggested that the Austrian team would disintegrate if team boss Christian Horner remained in his position.
“What has always been very important is that I had a good relationship with Christian and my father,” the Dutch driver maintains a neutral stance. “Of course, my father is looking out for me and wants the best for me. People don’t have to be best friends, they don’t have to go on vacation together. But I believe you can have a normal working relationship. I feel that is absolutely the case now, and things have been much better lately.”
