Max Verstappen has boldly claimed he would have secured the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship even if he had been driving for McLaren or Ferrari instead of Red Bull. The Dutch driver clinched his fourth consecutive title with a controlled fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, eliminating his nearest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, from contention with two races to spare.
Verstappen began the season with the dominant Red Bull RB20, securing early victories. However, McLaren made significant strides mid-season, and Ferrari also emerged as a competitive force. Red Bull, meanwhile, encountered performance issues that made their campaign less consistent. Despite this, Verstappen maintained his edge, asserting that for much of the season, he did not have the fastest car on the grid.
When asked if he could have claimed the championship in a McLaren. Verstappen responded confidently: “Yes, even earlier, so [I would have been] further ahead. [With Ferrari], pretty much the same, I think. The Mercedes, no. I think that would have been trickier.”
The three-time champion also addressed comments from McLaren CEO Zak Brown. Who earlier in the season suggested that Verstappen could only win titles in a dominant car. Brown congratulated Verstappen after the race in Las Vegas, prompting Verstappen to reflect on the criticism.
“Comments like that only motivate me,” Verstappen said. “When people think I can only win in the best car, I want to prove them wrong. If I don’t get the credit now, I don’t know what more I need to do.”
Brown’s remarks came after Norris secured his maiden win at the Miami Grand Prix in May, a period when Red Bull seemed unstoppable. At the time, Brown speculated that “six or seven drivers” could win the title in Verstappen’s Red Bull. However, as the season progressed and Red Bull’s struggles became apparent, Brown’s comments appeared less credible.
In hindsight, Verstappen was asked if any other driver could have claimed the title in the RB20. With a wry smile, he quipped: “We’re in Vegas, so you can bet on that! All I can say is, I wish them the best of luck with that.”
As the season concludes, Verstappen’s dominance, consistency, and adaptability across a tumultuous campaign have cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Whether driving for Red Bull, McLaren, or Ferrari, his confidence in his abilities remains unwavering.
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