Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 is far from over, labeling him an “unquestionable” all-time great after securing his fourth consecutive World Championship in Las Vegas.
Verstappen’s Record-Breaking Victory
Max Verstappen clinched his fourth F1 World Championship in style during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing fifth to outpace his nearest rival, Lando Norris, and seal the title with two races to spare. This remarkable feat makes Verstappen only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four championships, joining the ranks of legends like Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
Horner’s Praise for Verstappen’s Longevity
Christian Horner lauded Verstappen’s achievements, emphasizing his potential to achieve even greater heights:
“I think there’s still more to come from him, to be honest. He’s only just 27 years of age. With how hard he pushes himself, I’m sure that there’s still more to come.”
Horner also hinted at the possibility of Verstappen chasing the record for the most F1 titles, currently held by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton at seven each. However, he acknowledged that Verstappen’s future success depends on both his skill and Red Bull’s ability to deliver a competitive car:
“He’s got the capability to do it. But in this sport, it’s about man and machine, so we’ve got to make sure that we give him the machinery that’s capable of competing.”
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Season
While Verstappen dominated the early part of the season, Red Bull faced stiff competition from McLaren and Ferrari in the latter half. Despite these challenges, Verstappen maintained his composure and secured more than double the race wins of any other driver in 2024.
Horner believes this year’s triumph solidifies Verstappen’s status among F1’s all-time greats:
“This one is a very special victory because there have been challenges this year. Max has been head and shoulders the best driver on the grid, and what he’s done this year absolutely cements his position amongst the greats in the sport.”
Verstappen’s Future in Formula 1
Although Verstappen has expressed interest in pursuing racing opportunities outside F1, his youth and drive suggest he still has much to accomplish in the sport. At just 27 years old, time is on his side to challenge records and set new benchmarks in Formula 1 history.
As Verstappen’s reign continues, the 2024 F1 season serves as a testament to his extraordinary talent and Red Bull’s commitment to excellence. The journey for even greater glory is far from over.
