LAS VEGAS – The glitz of the Las Vegas Strip had its brightest star yet on Saturday night, as Max Verstappen stepped into the pantheon of Formula 1 legends, clinching his fourth world championship.
The 27-year-old Dutchman, now a member of an elite group of four-time champions, sat down with the media to reflect on a season that tested his mettle like never before.
Here’s every word from the champion himself, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a driver at the peak of his craft.
On the Feeling of Winning a Fourth Title
“It’s been a long season,” Verstappen began, exuding a mix of pride and relief. “We started off amazing, almost cruising, but then hit a tough run. As a team, we kept it together, kept improving, and pulled through. Standing here as a four-time champion is something I never thought possible.”
When asked if he had envisioned this level of success when he debuted at 17, Verstappen was candid: “Definitely not. I was just happy to be there, dreaming of a podium or a win. To be standing here now with four titles is incredible.”
On the Challenges of 2024
“This year was tough-probably the most competitive I’ve seen in F1 in years,” Verstappen admitted. “I still preferred last season, but this one taught me a lot. We had to stay calm, and we did. That makes it even more special.”
The champion highlighted key moments that defined his campaign, including his stunning comeback win in Brazil. “Brazil was a turning point,” he said. “Coming from 17th to win in wet conditions felt like a proper championship drive.”
On the Team and the Fans
“To the fans, thank you for your incredible support. They got a bit spoiled last year with all the wins, but they stuck with us through the tougher times,” Verstappen said with a smile. “And to the team-what can I say? We’ve been through so much together. Four titles in a row, that’s a testament to the people at the track and back at the factory.”
On Rival Lando Norris
Facing a stiff challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen acknowledged the difficulty of competing against a close friend. “Lando is incredible. At times, we simply had no answer to McLaren’s pace. Racing a friend for a title is different, but we have a lot of respect for each other. I’m sure there are more battles to come.”
On Handling Pressure
The Dutchman reflected on the mental demands of the season, particularly during the mid-year struggles. “At one point, we were lost,” he admitted. “The car was difficult, and frustration crept in. But we stayed together as a team, kept working, and turned things around by Austin. I’m proud of how we handled it.”
Comparing His Titles
Each championship holds a unique place for Verstappen. “The first one will always be the most emotional-your ultimate dream. The others have been very different. This season was special because we didn’t always have the fastest car, yet we still extended our lead. That’s something I’m proud of.”
On the Future and a Fifth Title
When asked if he was eyeing the records held by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, Verstappen was philosophical. “You need momentum and the right team to achieve that. It’s not something I set out to do. I’m just proud of winning four. If we have the chance to fight for more, I’ll give it everything. But for now, I’m going to enjoy the moment.”
Looking ahead, Verstappen is confident but realistic. “Next year will be a proper battle. We’re working hard to make the car more competitive. But I know the others aren’t sitting still. It’s going to be tight.”
On Celebrating
With a grin, Verstappen revealed his plans for the night. “I ran out of beer, so maybe I’ll grab another one. I don’t need to drive anymore, so the ‘don’t drink and drive’ slogan works perfectly.”
Final Thoughts
When pressed to reflect on his legacy and emotions, Verstappen summed it up: “Crossing the line tonight, I felt relief more than anything. This season had highs and lows, but we kept it together. In 20 years, I may not rank Las Vegas ’24 in my top 10, but this title and this journey will always be special.”
As the press conference ended, Verstappen left little doubt about his place in Formula 1 history. With four titles, unwavering determination, and a hunger for more, the reigning champion stands tall as the face of modern motorsport. And as he himself said, the best may still be yet to come.
