Max Verstappen remains proud of his season but insists Red Bull deserved more, reflecting on his efforts to secure both titles.
Max Verstappen reflected one final time on his 2024 world title during the FIA gala held this Friday in Rwanda. The four-time F1 world champion praised his team and once again acknowledged that this was his hardest-earned crown.
“This season, we experienced highs and lows. We had a strong start to the year, even though we were aware of our limitations and knew what we needed to work on. Our rivals made significant progress, which made life difficult for us, especially in the Constructors’ Championship,” Verstappen said.
“We went through a tough stretch mid-season, but even in challenging moments, the team stayed united. We didn’t panic, which would have been an easy trap to fall into in that situation. I’m proud of everyone in the team.”
The Dutchman also subtly aimed a comment at his teammate Sergio Pérez: “We’re not Constructors’ champions, but I think we deserved better in that ranking. I gave it my all, and we know what we need to work on for next year. I’m excited because it’s going to be a fight between several teams.”
When asked about what this fourth consecutive world title means to him, Verstappen admitted he hadn’t always imagined reaching such a level: “It’s not something you think about when you’re growing up.”
“You see all these names and think it’s impressive, but you just hope one day you can make it onto a podium! But sometimes, you’re lucky in life; you’re in the right place at the right time. You have to make the most of it, and I managed to do that.”
“This title is incredible, but I hope it doesn’t stop here—I hope we can continue being successful for a long time. But our rivals are close, and everything will change in 2026. Maybe other teams will close the gap. For now, we have to enjoy what we achieved this year, be proud of what we accomplished, and try to do it again next year.”
Norris Retracts His Bitter Comment from Brazil
Lando Norris opened his awards speech by apologizing to Verstappen, after previously attributing his rival’s victory in Brazil to luck: “First of all, I want to take back a comment I made, saying it was luck and not talent! And secondly, congratulations to Max.”
“What he achieved this year, especially in Brazil, was incredible. I’m the first to acknowledge it when I’m the one fighting against him. It was a tough season—I gave it everything, but it wasn’t enough. At the same time, I’m happy to finish second behind Max because I know it’s a huge achievement to do better than that.”
The world championship runner-up also took a moment to thank his team and his bosses, Zak Brown and Andrea Stella: “An incredible year for me with many accomplishments and a lot of progress, but I also know I need to do better than I did. I’m looking forward to trying to improve.”
“But the best part for us as a team was winning the Constructors’ title. I’ve been with McLaren for six years, and it was something incredible and unimaginable, even at the start of the year. Thank you to Zak and Andrea for giving me the opportunity to lead this fight and enjoy it.”
“The Disappointment is Fresh,” but Leclerc is “Hungry”
Charles Leclerc expressed strong motivation to overcome the disappointment of last season, narrowly missing out on the Constructors’ title by 14 points to McLaren. He also hopes to challenge for the crown in 2025.
“I’m hungry for next year. The disappointment is still fresh from the last race because it was just last week, and we fought McLaren for the Constructors’ title all the way to the final race. But they did a better job and deserved the title. Congratulations to them and to Max,” said Leclerc.
“It was a very long season, and my best moment was Monaco. I grew up there, and it’s where my passion began. Winning at Monza was another highlight. And a dream I didn’t expect to come true was driving in FP1 with my younger brother last week—it was a special moment for our family.”
“There were many positive moments in the season, but being second or third isn’t what we want. We want to win. The second half of the season was strong, and I want to claim the world title next year.”
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Verstappen Reflects: Proud Season, Red Bull Deserved More Verstappen Reflects: Proud Season, Red Bull Deserved More
