Will Max Verstappen become a four-time WDC this year or will he have to wait longer?
2024 looks to be another display of the Dutchman’s brilliance. Although, this time the circumstances are different for Max Verstappen.
To lead or not to lead
After the infamous 2021 season, the two years onwards were a breeze for him. Max Verstappen sealed his second Drivers’ title with four races to go, at the Japanese Grand Prix. He went on to become a three-time World Champion in 2023 after the sprint race in Qatar, with six races remaining.
This season opened up a whole different chapter, showcased in his results this year. The results no longer have a similar level of dominance as the previous season.
However, the Dutch driver has never left the top 10 for every race barring Australia, which was due to a brake issue. This still raised hopes of him joining racing legends such as Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel in the list of four-time World Champions.
But in the 2024 season, a new rival in the form of Lando Norris has arrived on the scene. Will Max Verstappen have to postpone his championship aspiration for another time?
A new title challenger
Max Verstappen appeared to be facing battles both on and off track. Besides arising issues with the RB20, the exit of key Red Bull personnel like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley introduced hurdles to the reigning champion. All occurred in this crucial time.
After beating multiple World Champion Lewis Hamilton, many thought that this Red Bull driver would simply ease his way to the fourth Drivers’ Championship title. Especially since his rival turned out to be much younger and had just claimed his maiden victory in Miami this season. But McLaren’s recent performances has proven them wrong.
Whilst Verstappen collected his race victories here and there in 2023, McLaren had a turnaround entering the second half of the season. Team Principal Andrea Stella provided a technical restructure to the Woking-based team. This led to plenty of positive changes in how McLaren performed on track.
After the major upgrade being introduced in Miami this year, McLaren emerged as a threat to Verstappen’s lead in the championship. This is further evidenced when the British outfit successfully dethroned Red Bull in the constructors’ standings.
Now, it is safe to assume that McLaren have the fastest car. This is a huge advantage for their talents Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. It has also helped to earn their place as race winners on four separate occasions.
That particular statistic is indeed smaller than Verstappen’s astonishing seven race wins this year. But, as previously mentioned, one could no longer underestimate the speed of the MCL38. Aiming to win more races, Norris’ rapidly gap-closing championship points begin to apply more pressure on the Dutchman.
To add insult to injury, the Netherlands’ national anthem on the podium has not been played since June, back at the Spanish Grand Prix. Other than the McLarens, George Russell, Charles Leclerc and many other names won Grands Prix this season. With the regression of the RB20 appearing to be daunting, this may extend Verstappen’s winless streak far more longer.
The title decider
Rival Lando Norris needs to outscore the current championship leader by nine points or more in every race in the finale if he wants to realize his lifelong dream: becoming a Formula One champion. On the other hand, Max Verstappen however may need to hunt more than that to prevent his position in the drivers’ standings from being switched.
View this post on Instagram
It even looks less likely for the Dutch to replicate what he did with the previous two seasons. More specifically, wrapping up the season early and taking home another Championship title.
With how competitive the 2024 season plays out, it brings a new wave of thrill and unpredictability. Particularly on the timing of the title decider.
What could really benefit his championship lead though are the last three sprint races, each held in the US, Brazil and Qatar. Verstappen has frequently landed himself in the top 8 for most races. So, one might think this will be effortless for him to take up a couple of points in the sprints.
Despite the upgrades brought and wind tunnel testing done throughout 2024 thus far, his car has still not shown any major signs of improvement.
Hence, this is down to the test of strength for the Dutchman. Going beyond the limit, maybe much more than his usual performances before the post-Singapore break.
The possibility of clinching another title that was laid out before him may seem discouraging. However, there were plenty of instances in which Verstappen showed his talent and determination putting out the best of his abilities on track. For example, he managed to take up a sixth-place finish in Monza.
As expected, of course, it was rather a disappointing result for him. Regardless, taking into account the issues he faced involving the understeer, tyre wear, and the two-stop strategy implemented, which he deemed as ‘absolutely crap‘, his incredible pace still has brought his machine inside the top 10.
“Talking of this season and Max and Lando, it’s unfolding. We’re entering a really crucial phase in the USA and Mexico and Vegas.
“The hard thing for McLaren is Max keeps finishing the podium.” – former Williams and McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya speaking to Gambling Zone.
As the closing rounds are approaching shortly, the F1 grid will be back in action much more prepared. From COTA onwards, each and every race is a now-or-never situation.
To avoid repeating their past mistakes, mostly on the technical and strategic aspects, will be challenging. But it will be important for their overall progress in the final six races.
Fans will definitely keep a close eye on the final battle between Verstappen and Norris. That includes anticipating the Dutch ace’s efforts to return to his winning form. And most importantly, to maintain his stay at the top.
