FORMULA 1 Magazine posed three pressing questions to a diverse group of experts in the paddock after Max Verstappen’s fourth world title, including James Hinchcliffe. This led to some unique insights. Today, in part 2 of 4, we hear from the Canadian former driver and F1TV analyst.
Was Max Verstappen’s title ever in danger?
Hinchcliffe: “There were certainly moments when it seemed to be going in a different direction. This was also because Red Bull often did not have the best car, far from it. But that makes it an even more deserved title for Max, he’s had an incredibly good season. He doesn’t have bad days: he always delivers. And because things often went against him in 2024, he can be even prouder of this title than last year’s with all those dominant victories and records. You can see again this year just how good he really is. A team leader, a champion in all his glory.
Comparing Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel’s Four Titles with Verstappen’s
Hinchcliffe: “Good question, tough to answer. You could say it’s like comparing apples and oranges. However, they both won four titles with the same team. So, if I look at the way they won those titles, the races, and how Max Verstappen had to drive… He might just be a bit further along than Vettel after his fourth.”
Will Lando Norris be Verstappen’s Biggest Challenger in 2025?
Hinchcliffe: “Lando and McLaren have had quite a few races where they could have done better. They often had the fastest car of the weekend. And yet, you saw that Max would win the race, the Spanish Grand Prix is an example. It doesn’t say everything for next year, but let me put it this way: I don’t think the number of world titles for Max Verstappen stops at four.”
