F1
Verstappen expects 'a real battle between many teams' in 2025
Max Verstappen with his 2024 world champion trophy in Kigali - Photo: Frédéric Le Floc'h / DPPI
Crowned world champion Formula 1 for the fourth time in a row, Max Verstappen received his trophy at the FIA awards ceremony held in Rwanda on Friday evening, a country that hopes to host its own Grand Prix in the coming years.
« As you may have noticed, this season has been quite eventful, Verstappen said. We had a great start to the year, everything seemed to be going well. I think, especially from the outside, as a team you always understand your limits and what you want to work on. The competition did a great job, they improved their cars a lot and made it a lot harder for us, especially in the manufacturers. »
Not helped by a Sergio Perez only eighth in the Drivers' standings, Red Bull indeed let the constructors' title slip away, with the Austrian team finishing only third behind McLaren et Ferrari. Two teams with significant progress in 2024 and which Verstappen is wary of for 2025.
« I did my best and we also know what we have to work on for next year, says the Dutchman. I'm very excited about this as well because it looks like it's going to be a real battle between many teams. »
How many more titles to come for Verstappen?
While there are only three drivers left with more titles than him (Juan Manuel Fangio 5, Michael Schumacher et Lewis Hamilton 7) Does Verstappen think he can equal the world record?
« Sometimes in life you get lucky, you're in the right place at the right time, replies the person concerned. Four titles is really incredible. I also hope that it won't stop there and that we can succeed for longer, but we have already seen that the competition was very tight this year. »
« In 2026, many things will change and maybe other teams will be competitive again, he concludes, referring to the change in regulations planned after the next season. Right now I think it's really important to enjoy the moment, be proud of what we've achieved as a team, and we'll try again in 2025. »
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Valentin GLO
Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
15/12/2024 at 01:49 a.m.
Looking forward to 2025 with a potential 4-way battle! Question: Aston Martin and Haas or even Alpine If Enstone finally come out with a well-born chassis, will they join the fray when Ridiculous Bulls, Williams and Saubersteakick fight to avoid the wooden spoon?