As Red Bull plummeted in performance rankings, the threat of Max Verstappen losing the 2024 drivers’ title became imminent.
This forced the Dutchman to employ questionable tactics, which led McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown to condemn his approach and urge him to drive like a world champion.
However, this did not go well with Verstappen, who gave an exremely sharp response.
Mexican GP was one of the races where F1 fandom agreed that Max Verstappen over-stepped the line.
He utilized his tactics to hold off Lando Norris in the first stint, which seriously affected the Briton’s chances to win the race. On the other hand, Verstappen managed to climb back to P6 and reduced the blow taken in the standings.
While his frantic action was not needed in the grand scheme of things, Norris was a challenger for the title and the Dutchman argued that he needed everything to stop the 25-year-old in his mission. This explanation, however, was not accepted by Zak Brown, who lashed out at the reigning champion.
Subsequently, Verstappen didn’t spare Brown when he got to know about the war of words going on. He made a hefty jibe at the 53-year-old over his failed racing career.
I always find that really funny, coming from someone that failed himself in racing.
Max Verstappen said (via Viaplay)
Anyhow, Verstappen won his fourth consecutive title in 2024. The Red Bull driver amassed the championship in the third-fastest car.
It was the third-time ever in F1 history, so Verstappen has truly done a remarkable job.
Though the reigning champion has received criticism from his rivals, other fellow drivers have commended his incredible skillset.
Nico Hulkenberg, who has a good relationship with Verstappen and praised the latter for proving up to the mark in every scenario.
With the introduction of ground-effect regulations, drivers struggled to get in the groove with the new machinery.
However, Verstappen seemingly has no weaknesses and always finds to work around the limitations of the car with ease as Hulkenberg elucidated upon.
There are also drivers like Max [Verstappen]. He always performs, regardless of the car generation, under any conditions or with any rules. I have the same feeling with myself. Of course I have had my ups and downs, for example with the old cars. With Renault it didn’t go so well, but that was due to different circumstances. As I said, it’s more about the feeling and where you are at that moment.
Nico Hulkenberg said (via Motorsport-Total.com)
This was showcased by every team principal voting him unanimously as the driver of the year. So, Verstappen remains the favorite to defend his reign over the title amongst threats from all over the grid.
