By IAN PARKES
This year, Max Verstappen and Red Bull faced more challenges in Formula One compared to their 2023 dominance, largely due to McLaren’s strong performance.
Verstappen achieved the milestone of becoming only the sixth driver in Formula One history to claim a fourth drivers’ title, sealing his championship with two races left in a record-setting 24-race season. He was pursued by Lando Norris, who, despite not winning the title, played a crucial role in McLaren’s return to constructors’ championship glory for the first time since 1998.
“It feels strange to say they have not been champions in 26 years,” Norris, who raced alongside Oscar Piastri, remarked. “However, being part of this achievement is a source of immense pride for both Oscar and me.”
“Delivering this success for the team has brought the biggest smiles all around. It’s the ultimate way to show appreciation to everyone involved in designing, constructing, and supporting the car. Every individual has contributed significantly, and I’m truly proud.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that McLaren’s resurgence surprised everyone. At the start of 2023, they were among the slowest teams, but their performance dramatically improved over the summer, leading them to championship status.
“If someone had told us two years ago that McLaren would be where they are now, we would have considered it unbelievable,” Wolff commented.
Red Bull had a dominant 2023 season, winning an unprecedented 21 of 22 races, with Verstappen claiming 19 victories. However, both the team and the driver faced various challenges on and off the track throughout the season.
The season’s beginning was marred by allegations of misconduct against Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, brought forth by a female employee.
Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, urged Horner to resign, claiming the team’s unity was at risk. “The team could potentially disintegrate,” he warned. “This situation is untenable.”
An independent tribunal later cleared Horner, and an appeal against this decision was rejected.
“It has undeniably been a tough year,” Horner noted in a December interview. “Yet, you have to adhere to your values and convictions. I received tremendous backing from the team. Amidst the chaos around us, operations remained routine within the garage.”
“During tough times, some may see an opportunity to take advantage. But adversity often unites a team, which I believe occurred this year. Even on days when we lacked the quickest car, we maximized performance through effective strategies, quick pit stops, and reliability.”
Max Verstappen set the stage for his title success by clinching four victories in the first five Grands Prix, despite the surrounding turmoil.
“My dad has strong views,” he expressed in a December interview. “That’s his nature; he always wants the best for me and tends to worry.”
“He evaluates situations fairly, which sometimes leads to disagreements. That’s why communication is essential, and even with differing opinions, discussions can take place.”
The Miami Grand Prix in May marked the initial indication that Red Bull was not as dominant as in 2023, with Norris winning his first-ever race in Formula One.
Heading into the São Paulo Grand Prix in November, Norris was 44 points behind Verstappen. In challenging wet conditions, Verstappen showcased a remarkable performance, clinching victory from 17th on the grid. He secured the championship at the following race in Las Vegas.
“This year has been his best due to the obstacles faced,” said Horner. “He hasn’t always had the leading car and has had to push himself, exhibiting maturity and determination. He’s been outstanding this season, showcasing himself as the most well-rounded driver.”
“In 2021, the spotlight was on two drivers,” he noted, referring to his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton. “Once we got going in 2022, we were unbeatable, while 2023 was a dream season. This year, Max had to dive in and labor for this title.”
Norris, who won four races compared to Verstappen’s nine, expressed that he “earned” the title. “He hasn’t made a single mistake this season,” Norris stated. “His strength lies in having no flaws, no weaknesses.”
“When he had the fastest car, he dominated the races, and in instances where he didn’t, he was still right there, nearly winning. He drove flawlessly, and I can find no fault with him.”
Verstappen mentioned feeling “proud” of certain performances when strong results were crucial.
“I’m also immensely proud of the team because, even when we lacked the quickest car, we optimized many races, achieved great results, and made smart and bold decisions,” he added.
“What I appreciate about this team is that even during difficult phases, we remain committed to improvement.”
Red Bull lost its constructors’ title to McLaren, as Sergio Pérez, the other Red Bull driver, had a challenging season, scoring 103 points in his first six races and just 49 in the other 18.
McLaren battled with Ferrari over the constructors’ championship, edging out with a 14-point lead.
Norris demonstrated composure in the concluding Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, winning ahead of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, while Piastri finished last after a first-corner incident involving Verstappen.
Andrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, described their championship win as a result of dedication and effort from all team members since he joined in 2015 from Ferrari, where he worked as head of race operations.
The triumph came from “great resilience, strong belief” and “unlocking potential” in performance among teammates.
“To achieve these high standards, performances, and reliability, all 1,000 employees must perform at an exceptionally high level,” said Stella, who became team principal two years ago.
“This journey at McLaren over the past decade has been comprehensive. I hope this marks not an ending, but the beginning of even greater achievements ahead.”
Fred Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, reflected that his second season was “good” and “a significant advancement” from the previous year, but the loss was felt deeply. Ferrari hasn’t claimed a constructors’ title since 2008.
“Ultimately, we fell short by 14 points,” he acknowledged. “If the gap were larger, the frustration was less harsh. But 14 points? I’m left wondering where we lost those 14 points this season. We must do better next year.”
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, is setting his sights on both championships. “We aim to replicate our constructors’ success and pursue the drivers’ title, but I’ll let Oscar and Lando navigate that,” he remarked.
Mercedes finished a distant fourth, as Lewis Hamilton departs to join Ferrari after a successful 12 years with the team, securing six out of a record seven drivers’ titles.
Other driver changes include Nico Hulkenberg of Haas moving to Stake. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have exited the team, while Esteban Ocon fills Hulkenberg’s spot after leaving Alpine. Sainz is set to join Williams.
The grid in 2025 will feature four rookies: Oliver Bearman at Haas, Jack Doohan at Alpine, Gabriel Bortoleto at Stake, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.
