Max Verstappen has unapologetically defended his aggressive racing tactics, saying he is happy to "cross a line" if it helps secure results, a stance that has stirred controversy within the Formula 1 community. His comments come after a series of incidents during the 2024 season, notably at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where his approach to racing sparked strong reactions from figures like FIA steward Johnny Herbert and former F1 World Champion Damon Hill.
Verstappen’s Bold Racing Approach
At the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen found himself at the center of a heated debate following a wheel-to-wheel battle with his title rival, Lando Norris. The pair had clashed previously at the Austin Grand Prix, where Verstappen pushed Norris off the track at Turn 12, resulting in a penalty for Norris for gaining an advantage by leaving the track. In Mexico, their rivalry continued, with Verstappen receiving a 10-second penalty for forcing Norris off the track and another penalty for leaving the track himself to gain an advantage.
The incident was heavily scrutinized by pundits and former drivers. Damon Hill, in particular, was outspoken about Verstappen’s tactics. Hill argued that Verstappen’s racing style does not allow for fair racing, stating:
“The problem that Max has is he simply refuses to concede any turf at all, to anyone, in an overtake. It’s not in his repertoire. It’s not in his philosophy. His philosophy is that ‘you’re not coming past.’”
Verstappen's Response: Crossing the Line for Maximum Results
Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen responded to the criticism, unapologetically defending his approach. He explained that he always strives to get the maximum out of every situation and sometimes that means going "over the limit" to achieve the best possible result for his championship:
“I will always get the maximum out of it, sometimes you have to cross a line, and I’ll do that. I will do everything to get the maximum result out of it for a championship. And of course yes, sometimes you have to be on the limit, over the limit… You have to calculate all that, and not everyone understands that. Not everyone has that mentality.”
For Verstappen, the desire to push boundaries in pursuit of success is crucial to his mindset as a champion. He emphasized that not everyone is mentally equipped to embrace that level of intensity and risk, acknowledging that his mindset is a key component of his dominance on the track.
No Regret Over Mexico Incident
Despite the penalties and the controversy, Verstappen made it clear that he had no regrets over his actions during the Mexico City GP. When asked whether his conscience had prompted him to rethink his tactics, Verstappen was firm in his response:
“No. That race? Not at all. No. I think I actually won points there.”
The result in Mexico helped Verstappen extend his lead in the 2024 Drivers’ Championship, and he eventually secured his fourth consecutive World Championship title, finishing with a 63-point margin over Norris.
A Mixed Season for Red Bull and McLaren
While Verstappen clinched the Drivers' Championship, McLaren's performance in the Constructors' standings led to a surprising shift in the F1 pecking order. McLaren's victory in the Constructors’ Championship marked their first title since 1998, while Red Bull, despite Verstappen's individual success, finished third in the standings after a season of unexpected challenges.
Verstappen’s unapologetic approach to racing and his ability to maintain focus under intense scrutiny only reinforce his status as one of the most dominant figures in Formula 1 today. However, his willingness to "cross the line" will continue to be a topic of discussion, as it sparks debates about the balance between aggressive racing and sportsmanship.