As the glittering lights of Las Vegas illuminate Formula 1’s latest chapter, Max Verstappen stands poised to clinch his fourth world championship. For the Dutchman, the path to this moment has been defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence, a no-holds-barred racing style, and an unwavering commitment to performance, even amidst controversies and challenges both on and off the track.
“It’s all about being on the limit,” Verstappen tells BBC Sport, succinctly summarizing his philosophy. “If you want to win, if you want to be a champion, you have to push to the very edge.”
This mindset has underpinned Verstappen’s approach to the 2024 season, one marked by dramatic swings in fortune for both him and his Red Bull team. As he prepares for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen needs only to finish ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris or lose no more than two points to him to secure the title.
“Of course, the championship is in the back of my mind,” Verstappen admits. “But I always try to get the best result first and then see what’s possible.”
A Season of Contrasts
Verstappen began the season in dominant fashion, with Red Bull seemingly uncatchable. However, the dynamic shifted as McLaren emerged as a serious contender in the second half of the year. Norris’s consistent performances steadily eroded Verstappen’s early lead, culminating in a fierce title battle that remains unresolved.
Despite Red Bull’s early-season dominance, the team faced internal challenges, including key departures and allegations against team principal Christian Horner. The off-track drama threatened to destabilize the team, but Verstappen remained focused on his racing.
“I was always busy dealing with the performance of the car,” Verstappen says. “It wasn’t about picking sides; it was about common sense and communication.”
Controversies on Track
This season has also reignited debates about Verstappen’s aggressive racing tactics, particularly after incidents in Austin and Mexico. In the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen’s defensive maneuvers against Norris sparked criticism from fellow drivers, leading to a discussion with the FIA about potential rule changes.
Defending his style, Verstappen remains unapologetic. “I drive to what I think is possible within the rules,” he says. “If the rules are written that way, I will use them. I wouldn’t complain if the situation were reversed.”
The rule in question states that a driver on the inside of a corner who is ahead at the apex does not have to leave space for an outside car on the exit. While some drivers have criticized this approach, Verstappen views it as a natural part of competitive racing.
“When I race someone, they won’t overtake me around the outside,” he chuckles. “That’s how I grew up racing.”
Navigating Red Bull’s Decline
Red Bull’s dominance faltered as McLaren closed the gap, and Verstappen has been candid about the team’s struggles. He attributes some of the challenges to design decisions that made the car faster but harder to drive.
“At one point, we realized what we’d been putting on the car might make it quicker, but it was very difficult to drive,” Verstappen explains. “Then you start to backtrack on a lot of things and try to figure out where it all went wrong.”
Through it all, Verstappen’s consistency has been his greatest asset. Even during the team’s dip in form, he avoided costly mistakes, ensuring Norris couldn’t capitalize fully on Red Bull’s missteps.
“Since 2021, I’ve learned you can’t afford bad results or missed opportunities,” Verstappen says. “It’s about consistency.”
Looking Ahead
As Verstappen nears his fourth title, speculation about his future in F1 looms large. At just 27 years old, he has already achieved a career’s worth of accolades, but he remains ambivalent about chasing records.
“Breaking records isn’t my goal,” Verstappen says. “I just want to enjoy what I do. I know when I jump in the car, I’ll give my best.”
Unlike many of his peers, Verstappen doesn’t envision a long career in F1. “I don’t want to be racing in F1 until I’m 40,” he says. “You only live once, and I want to enjoy life beyond racing.”
A Legacy in Progress
With 62 wins and counting, Verstappen’s place among F1’s greats is already secure. Yet his focus remains on the here and now—on racing to the limit, pushing boundaries, and finding joy in the sport he loves.
As the streets of Las Vegas prepare to host one of the season’s most glamorous races, Verstappen stands on the brink of history, ready to cement his legacy while keeping one eye on the road ahead.
