Source – Formula1.com
At the FIA Awards Ceremony on Friday night in Rwanda, Max Verstappen accepted the world drivers’ trophy and made a prediction about a “proper fight between a lot of teams” in 2025.
In the glimmering setting of the FIA Awards Ceremony in Kigali, Max Verstappen added another layer to his legacy by collecting his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers’ championship trophy. While the 2024 title secured his place among the sport’s elite, the season itself was a battle unlike any other he had faced before. Described by Verstappen as “up and down,” this championship season is already being hailed as one of his greatest achievements due to the fierce competition and the challenges Red Bull endured.
The year began on a high note, with Verstappen and Red Bull dominating the early rounds, setting a tone that suggested another unrelenting campaign. Yet, as the months unfolded, the competitive landscape shifted. McLaren, spearheaded by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, emerged as a formidable force, proving their mettle against the reigning champions. Ferrari, too, joined the fray, adding further pressure on a Red Bull team that found itself grappling with the limitations of its RB20 car.
Despite the struggles, Verstappen delivered moments of pure magic that showcased his talent and determination. The most iconic of these came in Brazil, a race destined for the history books. Starting 17th on the grid after a difficult qualifying session, the Dutchman unleashed a performance for the ages, weaving through the pack to claim a stunning victory. It was a race that turned the tide of the championship, putting him in the driver’s seat to seal the title in Las Vegas. Moments like these reminded the world why Verstappen is regarded as one of the finest drivers of his generation.
However, the season was not without its disappointments. While Verstappen soared, his teammate Sergio Perez struggled to adapt to the RB20’s nuances. Perez’s challenges left Verstappen shouldering the bulk of Red Bull’s points haul, an incredible 74.2% of the team’s total. McLaren capitalized on Red Bull’s weaknesses, with Norris and Piastri securing the constructors’ championship for the Woking-based outfit, narrowly edging out Ferrari by 14 points. Red Bull had to settle for third, trailing by 77 points, a rare sight for a team accustomed to sitting at the top.
Reflecting on the season, Verstappen spoke with candor during the awards ceremony. “This season, as you could see, was quite up and down,” he admitted. “We had a great start to the year, everything was looking great. I think especially from the outside, it seemed perfect. But as a team, we knew our limitations and what we needed to improve on.”
Verstappen acknowledged the remarkable strides made by his rivals. “The competition did a great job. They improved their cars a lot, making it much more difficult for us, especially in the constructors’ championship. We had a tough run in the middle of the season, but even under pressure, the team stayed united. We didn’t panic, which could have easily happened in those situations.”
While the constructors’ championship slipped away, Verstappen expressed pride in Red Bull’s resilience. “I’m very proud of everyone in the team. Of course, we’re not standing here as constructors’ champions, but I do feel we deserved a bit more in that championship. I gave it my all, and we now know what we need to work on for next year.”
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s excitement was palpable as he anticipated a thrilling 2025 season. “It’s going to be a proper fight between a lot of teams,” he said. “This year has shown how close the competition is. I’m ready for the challenge.”
Verstappen’s fourth title places him in an exclusive club of Formula 1 greats, alongside Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel. Only Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton stand ahead with more championships. When asked about his place in F1’s pantheon, Verstappen reflected on his journey. “As a kid, you never think about these things. You see those names and think, ‘Wow, that’s amazing.’ To be here now is surreal. Sometimes you get lucky in life, being in the right place at the right time, and I’ve been fortunate to make the most of those opportunities.”
Despite his success, Verstappen remains grounded and hungry for more. “Four titles is incredible, but I hope it doesn’t stop here. I want to keep pushing and be successful for a longer period. The competition is close now, and in 2026, with all the changes coming, it could be anyone’s game. For now, it’s important to enjoy this moment, be proud of what we’ve achieved, and come back stronger next year.”
As the Dutchman basked in the glow of his latest triumph, the Formula 1 world braced itself for another chapter in the Verstappen era. With his eyes firmly set on the future and his determination unwavering, the stage is set for more battles, more brilliance, and perhaps even more records to fall.
