Max Verstappen has opened up about the turbulent 2024 season that saw him secure his fourth Formula 1 world title, revealing that he came close to quitting Red Bull amid a politically charged environment. The 27-year-old Dutch driver sealed his championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite McLaren’s Lando Norris challenging him for the title. However, Verstappen’s season was marred by internal team struggles and a bitter family dispute involving his father, Jos Verstappen, which led to what he described as a “messy” situation within the Red Bull camp.
The political turmoil surrounding Red Bull and Verstappen’s role in an internal investigation concerning team principal Christian Horner caused the driver to reassess his future. In the midst of this, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made no secret of his interest in signing Verstappen, hoping to bring the two-time world champion to the Silver Arrows as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who was reportedly heading to Ferrari.
Despite these external pressures and the challenges at Red Bull, Verstappen admitted that he considered his options during this period of uncertainty. However, he ultimately reaffirmed his loyalty to Red Bull, stating, “I’m very loyal to the team. I appreciate what they’ve done for me from picking me up from F3 and giving me an F1 seat.” He also emphasized the importance of facing tough times together as a team, rather than making drastic decisions. Verstappen added that, despite the difficulties, he was happy where he was and committed to continuing his journey with Red Bull.
Reflecting on his career, Verstappen shared his thoughts on his fourth title, agreeing with Horner’s assessment that it was his best yet. While he acknowledged that Red Bull’s car in 2023 was dominant, he also pointed out that the team’s ability to perform under pressure and secure victories even when they didn’t have the fastest car was something he was particularly proud of. He expressed satisfaction with the 2024 season, where, for much of the year, Red Bull was not the outright fastest but still extended their lead due to consistent performance.
Looking ahead, Verstappen remains focused on enjoying his racing and continuing to work with Red Bull to achieve further success. His reflections underscore the loyalty, resilience, and determination that have defined his rise to Formula 1 greatness, even in the face of internal team challenges.
