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How did Verstappen win the F1 world title himself with these 8 Grands Prix
Max Verstappen has become Formula 1 world champion for the fourth time in a row. The Dutchman had to fight hard for it in 2024, but made the difference with his qualities. Especially in these eight races, Verstappen managed to distinguish himself from title rival Lando Norris.
Many drivers can win in a dominant car. Winning with a lesser car, only the greats of the sport can do that. Red Bull Racing started the season dominantly, with Verstappen's impressive wins in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Japan and China. Since the Miami GP, however, McLaren had the best car and Red Bull dropped way back in the order. At these eight Grands Prix after Miami, Verstappen showed why only he deserved to become the 2024 world champion.
Imola Grand Prix
The first issue Verstappen dealt in Imola. After the Grand Prix, Norris slapped himself. McLaren had the better car that weekend, but Verstappen was the driver who won. Verstappen only narrowly crossed the line ahead of Norris, but Norris' rebound came too late to really put Verstappen under pressure.
Canadian Grand Prix
The deception in Monaco was followed by a big result by Verstappen in Canada. Helped by the rain, Verstappen came close to a win and rivals better not give him that chance. Norris was broken after losing his lead under the safety car, then Verstappen even drove away from Norris in the closing stages.
Spanish Grand Prix
The second race weekend in a row that Verstappen won a race he should not have won purely on pace. Norris had pole position but, not for the last time that year, Verstappen outsmarted his rival early on in the race. Norris tried everything with the better McLaren, but Verstappen did not give away the lead again.
Austrian Grand Prix
In Austria, it was not so much Verstappen's speed that won him points, but being clever. In duelling with Norris, the two clashed. Whereas Norris drove to the pits far too wildly, damaging his car and thus scoring zero points, Verstappen drove returned calmly. Verstappen was able to continue and still scored 10 points as he finished in P5.
British Grand Prix
At Silverstone, McLaren threw away a great result with a disastrous strategy in the rain. In the rain, Lando Norris also struggled with his car. Verstappen, who seemed to be completely behind the Mercedes and McLarens that weekend with Red Bull Racing, came out on top in the changing conditions and even finished ahead of Norris.
Belgian Grand Prix
In Belgium, Verstappen had to deal with a grid penalty for an power unit change and started the race from P11. However, it did not take Verstappen long to get to the front. Verstappen was going so fast that in no time he was behind and eventually even ahead of Lando Norris. The Briton could not compose himself and was even beaten by his teammate.
United States Grand Prix
In the United States, Lando Norris starts from pole position in the Sprint, but Verstappen never not tries if a gap is opened for him. Verstappen wins the sprint race, only to keep the faster Norris long behind for P3 in the Grand Prix a day later. When Norris passes him, the Briton does so off track. Smart defending by Verstappen, who makes full use of his knowledge of the regulations. That earned the Dutchman more points over his rival.
Brazilian Grand Prix
In Brazil, things seem to be going all wrong for Verstappen. A grid penalty plus bad luck in qualifying led to the Dutchman start from 17th place. In a masterclass, Verstappen drives to victory, in a race where rival Norris drops from P1 to P6. The final blow has been dealt, Verstappen is world champion and he mathematically confirms that a race weekend later in Las Vegas.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sárközi
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