In the 2024 F1 season, Max Verstappen led the way despite Red Bull losing dominance, proving titles demand resilience, precision, and extraordinary skill.
He claimed nine victories and captured his fourth Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas, finishing 63 points clear of his closest rival Lando Norris. Red Bull finished third in the Constructors’ standings, but Verstappen’s brilliance ensured individual success in a challenging season for the team.
The World Champion was undoubtedly ranked 1st in Pit Debrief’s 2024 F1 Driver Ranking.
A dominant start
After a highly successful 2023 season, Max Verstappen’s 2024 campaign began as if it were a seamless continuation. He dominated the season opener in Bahrain, securing victory with a commanding 20-second lead. Verstappen followed up with another impressive win in Jeddah, finishing 10 seconds clear of the competition.
In both races, Red Bull delivered a flawless performance, securing a 1-2 finish, further solidifying their early dominance in the season. Verstappen’s consistent supremacy early on left little doubt that he would remain a force to be reckoned with throughout the year.
Following a mechanical failure in Australia, Max Verstappen triumphed in Japan and China, winning both with a 10-second lead.
McLaren’s rise: Red Bull’s new rival emerges
Miami marked a breakthrough for Lando Norris, claiming his first-ever win with Max Verstappen finishing in second. In Imola, despite the Dutchman securing victory, Norris put on an impressive display, staying right behind him in second place, showing his growing pace. However, the now four-time World Champion showed his class to fend off the MCL38 that was clearly working better on the hard tyre.
Monaco saw the struggle for Red Bull, with the 27-year-old finishing a distant sixth as the team lacked the pace to challenge.
In Canada and Spain, Verstappen did not start from pole but still managed to win both races as he was masterful in the mixed conditions in Montréal, and a key pass on Russell in Barcelona set up the foundations for another win on a day he did not have the fastest car.
Norris finished in second place in both, showcasing McLaren’s rising form.
Victory dry spell: Ten races without a win but limits the damage
In the following races, however, the tables began to turn. Max Verstappen went on a surprising 10-race winless streak, leaving him vulnerable as McLaren’s momentum surged. The Woking-based team’s rise was further solidified as they began winning races quite regularly, with Norris and Oscar Piastri both taking victories.
Meanwhile, Ferrari also found new pace, and the combined performances of both teams allowed them to overtake Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings.
However, the Dutchman did an incredible job at minimising the damage. At Silverstone he somehow finished P2 despite having the third fastest car on the day. Finishing P2 to Norris in Zandvoort and Singapore on weekends where the MCL38 was flying was also absolutely critical.
And beating the British driver at Spa after a 10-place grid drop was huge as well.
A championship drive : From P17 to victory in Brazil
Brazil provided another turning point in the championship, offering McLaren a chance to close the gap to Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship. Lando Norris started on pole, with Verstappen starting from 17th after a challenging qualifying session. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Brit go get within 30-35 points of his title rival.
However, Verstappen’s masterful drive saw him carve through the field, passing cars one by one. After a red flag midway through the race, Verstappen gained a free pit stop and continued his charge to take the lead at the second Safety Car restart. He won the race comfortably, finishing 19.477 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon, while Norris could only manage a sixth-place finish.
Verstappen’s remarkable performance once again emphasised his resilience and skill, reminding everyone of his title credentials.
His ruthless side
Verstappen has always pushed things to the limit — and he has gone beyond them as well. This year was no different.
While the Dutch driver is a master of exploiting the grey areas of the rulebook as he showed in Austria (until the contact) and at COTA, he crossed the line in Mexico.
Nonetheless, he will feel vindicated and understands it can be worth it until a race ban potentially arrives for accruing 12 points on his licence.
Fourth title sealed in Las Vegas
Max Verstappen clinched his fourth F1 championship in Las Vegas after a tough season, showing that even without the fastest car, his skill and consistency were unmatched.
Despite strong competition, his ability to adapt and capitalise on every opportunity ensured his continued dominance, solidifying as the standout driver of the era.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s 2024 F1 season showcased his resilience and brilliance despite Red Bull’s loss of dominance. His fourth title came after a challenging year where fierce competition arose.
Even without the fastest car, Verstappen’s skill secured his place at the top, proving the champion he is. The Dutchman is firmly cementing himself as one of the all-time greats.
His performance earned him the top spot in Pit Debrief’s 2024 F1 Driver Ranking, reinforcing his status as the best on the grid.
