Verstappen: « We didn’t have the best car for 70% of the season »
Winner of his fourth world championship title, the Dutchman had to fight hard this time around. According to him, he didn't have the fastest car for most of the season, a statement echoed by his manager Christian Horner.
The years follow one another and look alike for Max Verstappen. For the fourth consecutive time, the Dutch driver won the world championship. However, this season was much more eventful than the previous ones. While the Horner affair shook the team at the start of the season, the main concern was on the track with a car that became less and less competitive, gradually losing its lead over the other cars. After four victories in the first five races, the Dutchman only secured five more wins during the rest of the season.
Red Bull has lost the lead over the course of the season.
An anomaly highlighted by the driver himself: Since the race in Miami in early May, there have been very few races where I had the fastest car. Despite a promising start to the season (three double wins in the first five races), Red Bull has gradually fallen back and seen other teams catch up, starting with McLaren, which has gradually established itself as the best single-seater on the grid. This was confirmed at the end of the season with the pursuit of the constructors’ championship in Abu Dhabi. Finally finishing third in the same championship, Max Verstappen has already warned his team that solutions must be found.
Asked by the media, including *Racing News*, about Verstappen’s statements, Christian Horner shared his driver’s view, explaining that from Miami onwards, Red Bull was no longer the best car. « I would say that’s about right. »
A title won thanks to Vertappen’s talent
« From Miami, I would say it was a turning point. The car was very difficult to drive, but he managed to adapt and make the most of it. I think we improved it in the last few races, but around Monza, it seemed like the championship was slipping away from us. » Ultimately champion with a 63-point lead, the former Toro Rosso driver was never really threatened. For Christian Horner, the Dutchman simply delivered an extraordinary performance by being able to extract the maximum from the car at every Grand Prix. « Max was the outstanding driver, absolutely. In the cockpit, he is absolutely inspired, and he was by far the best driver on the grid. »
A fifth title in 2025?
If Red Bull manages to solve its difficulties, the Dutchman will once again be one of the favorites for the title in 2025. However, the competition is likely to be even more intense this season. Will Verstappen be able to equal Schumacher by winning a fifth consecutive title? Join us in Melbourne on March 16 to find out.
