In 2023, when Verstappen smashed his own record by winning 19 out of 22 races, he looked genuinely unbeatable at times. That continued into the start of 2024 as he rattled off four of the first five.
Only a brake issue in Australia – caused by a visor tear-off that became lodged in the duct – prevented a clean sweep. But the landscape changed in Miami, where McLaren brought a huge upgrade and Lando Norris scored his first Grand Prix victory.
Verstappen won three of the next four nonetheless, but these victories were different. Rather than cruising away, he was having to fight throughout the race, and Red Bull were slipping behind on one-lap pace.
As McLaren grew stronger and Ferrari became a match for the Bulls too, Verstappen was forced onto the defensive. It became a matter of preserving his title lead rather than extending it.
Despite the precarious situation, there were only a few glimpses of concern. Verstappen sent angry radio messages to Red Bull complaining about the handling of his car, with his frustration peaking in Hungary as he hit Lewis Hamilton and came home fifth – one of his worst results of the year.
To compound Verstappen’s unease, the FIA penalised him for swearing in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. While Hamilton has urged him not to carry out the required community service, the FIA could escalate Verstappen’s punishment should he fail to attend.
The reigning champion responded to the widely criticised penalty by refusing to give genuine answers in the same forum the following day. He’s now ended this protest, while making his lasting dissatisfaction clear.
Speaking on the Motorsport Brazil podcast, journalist Mariana Becker said Verstappen had been a cooperative interviewee in Sao Paulo. But she could tell he’d become ‘really angry’ and ‘nervous’ after his penalty.
| Position | Drivers' Championship | PointsPts |
| 1 | 393 | |
| 2 | 331 | |
| 3 | 307 | |
| 4 | 262 | |
| 5 | 244 |
Verstappen ‘silenced’ his critics by winning the race in extraordinary fashion from 17th on the grid. He now holds a likely unassailable 62-point lead over Norris in the standings.
“The interview here in Brazil was good,” Becker said. “He wasn’t monosyllabic or anything. That shows maturity. But he’s Max. He was angry, he was really angry.
“He didn’t change. What happened is he got more nervous. He felt threatened. And all that peace goes to hell.”
Verstappen’s job isn’t quite done yet. But he only needs 24 more points to guarantee the title, an average of eight per weekend.
Given that he’s averaging 18.7 so far this year, his task should be straightforward. He will seal the title in Las Vegas unless Norris outscored him by three or more points.
Privately accepting that the race is all-but settled, Norris looked more relaxed after the race. Rather than relishing the role of the hunter, he’s apparently struggled with the pressure of fighting Verstappen.
That’s not to say the Dutchman plays mind games. In fact, Martin Brundle has praised Verstappen for being ‘grounded’ in the media, which may surprise some given Becker’s observations.
