Since stepping onto the Formula One scene, Max Verstappen has established himself as one of the sport’s most formidable talents. Since 2021, the Dutch driver has dominated the track, securing three World Championships and shattering numerous records along the way. His driving prowess and relentless determination have set a new standard in Formula One.
However, as the 2024 season enters its second half, Verstappen’s quest for a fourth consecutive title faces an increasingly fierce challenge. The once unassailable leader now finds himself in the midst of a tightly contested championship battle, with rival teams and drivers making significant strides.
Over 14 races, there have been seven different race winners, making this the most competitive season since 2012. Even so, four different teams failed to win more than one race in 2012. Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari competed in 2024 and defeated the defending champions in multiple races, following Red Bull’s dominance in the previous two seasons.
With seven race victories in 2024 all won by Max Verstappen), Red Bull remains the most successful team. However, three additional teams have each won two races, which is a first for Formula One since 1990. In that year, Williams and Benetton each won twice, while McLaren and Ferrari crossed the finish line in P1 six times apiece.
Verstappen took a 10-place grid for the Belgian Grand Prix before the summer break and yet he finished the race in P4. Speaking after the race, Verstappen spoke about how he feels about the recent change in the Championship as teams are starting to catch up to a very dominant Max and Red Bull.
“I think it shifts a little bit. For sure, constantly McLaren has been really quick. Mercedes has been quick, but not everywhere. And from our side, yeah, we have a bit of work to do, we know that. We have a few things to analyze as well, what to do with the car for the remainder of the season.”
Speaking about the race, Verstappen was happy that he was about to climb up the Championship ladder and increase his lead.
“starting P11, I knew that it was always going to be a damage limitation race. Of course, looking at the championship, it was still a positive day. I extended my lead, where it could have also easily been, you know, calculating losses.”
This season witnessed, Russell, Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Norris, Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, and Carlos Sainz have all claimed victories. Verstappen is aware that he is under pressure now his chances of winning a fourth consecutive world championship are slimming down as the top drivers are starting to climb the Championship ladder.
With three races under their belt, Mercedes has emerged as the most successful team outside Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton won in Silverstone, Belgium, and George Russell triumphed in Spain. Oscar Piastri became a race winner for the first time in 2024 when he won the Hungarian Grand Prix.
As the drivers enjoy their summer break, Verstappen and RedBull have some buffer time on their hands to figure out what they can do to break their win-less streak when F1 resumes at Zandvoort on the 25th of August.
