Max Verstappen's dominant performance in the 2024 Formula 1 season came with a subtle but telling jab at McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who had previously claimed that Verstappen’s success was primarily due to Red Bull’s superior car. Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, was quick to remind Brown of his earlier comments as he wrapped up the title in a season marked by its challenges.
Verstappen’s Challenging 2024 Season
The 2024 season was far from a smooth ride for Verstappen. Despite winning the World Championship, it was one of his most difficult seasons to date. With Red Bull's form fluctuating throughout the year, Verstappen found himself racing against a highly competitive McLaren, driven by Lando Norris, who at times seemed to have the fastest car on the grid.
Verstappen finished P5 in Las Vegas, securing a comfortable 63-point lead over Norris to seal the title. However, it wasn't just Verstappen's skill that led to this victory; it was also the resilience and consistency he showed despite his team's performance issues.
Zak Brown's Controversial Comments
Earlier in the season, Zak Brown made headlines when he claimed that several drivers could have won the World Championship if they were driving Verstappen’s Red Bull.
Brown stated during an appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast that, "I think there are six, seven drivers on the grid that will be World Champions in the Red Bull," and added that as great as Verstappen is, "I don’t think Max wins the World Championship today in any other car other than the Red Bull."
This claim sparked backlash from Verstappen and his fans, as it undermined the driver’s immense talent, suggesting that it was only the car that allowed him to win.
Verstappen's Response to Brown's Comments
As Verstappen celebrated his fourth championship win, he couldn’t resist a light-hearted dig at Brown. During an interview where Brown congratulated Verstappen, the
Dutchman smiled and replied, “And like you said, before I could only win it in the fastest car. This year has been a little bit different.”
Brown, who took the jab in stride, simply congratulated Verstappen again and walked off. But Verstappen’s response was clear—he had proven that his skill was more than just the car he drove.
Verstappen’s Motivation from Criticism
Speaking to the Dutch media after securing the title, Verstappen revealed that criticism, like Brown’s, had only fueled his determination. "Things like that only motivate me, If people are critical and think I can only win in the best car, I prove them wrong," he said. Verstappen’s response highlighted his drive and confidence, which were central to his success.
When asked whether he could have won the title in Norris' McLaren or Ferrari, Verstappen didn’t hesitate. “Yes, even earlier,” he said, acknowledging that the competition this year had been tougher but that he was confident he could have triumphed in another car. However, when asked about Mercedes, he admitted, “No, that would have been a bit more difficult."
Red Bull’s Resilience Amid Challenges
Despite facing off against stiff competition from McLaren and dealing with external challenges, including an investigation involving team principal Christian Horner and rumors about Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes, Red Bull and Verstappen maintained their focus. Horner praised Verstappen's ability to rise above the noise and criticism.
"I think in any adversity, adversity would always galvanise a team, and that’s certainly what has happened with this team, And I think there’s huge pride in this championship, that often there’s noise or speculation, and all of that’s been ignored, most of all by Max," Horner said to media.
Horner also acknowledged that while this season had its difficulties, the team was now focusing on building on their success for future championships. “He hasn’t been distracted; he’s just got in and got on with the job,” Horner concluded.
Looking Ahead
With another title in the bag and his confidence stronger than ever, Verstappen looks poised to continue dominating the sport. As for Zak Brown and others who doubted him, Verstappen has proved once again that his talent goes far beyond the car he drives.
