Max Verstappen claimed his fourth Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship under the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip, finishing fifth and crucially keeping McLaren’s Lando Norris behind him. Despite a season filled with ups and downs, Verstappen emerged victorious, cementing his legacy. But as rivals congratulated him, they also made it clear: next season will be a fight like no other.
“Nobody is Unbeatable,” Says George Russell
George Russell, who delivered a dominant victory for Mercedes in Las Vegas, didn’t mince words when discussing Verstappen’s achievements and the nature of competition in F1.
“Nobody is unbeatable,” Russell declared. “You go through these phases where teams and drivers together are dominating, and people think, ‘If I went up alongside them, I wouldn’t be able to compete with them.’
“But you have to have belief in yourself.”
Russell’s win, paired with Lewis Hamilton’s P2 finish, underlined Mercedes’ resurgence in the second half of the season, offering a glimpse of what could come in 2025.
Carlos Sainz: Pressure Levels the Playing Field
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who secured a solid third-place finish in Vegas, pointed to the closer-than-expected championship fight as proof of the field’s depth of talent.
“As much as I think Max did an incredible job this year… the second half of the season just shows that when we are all in more equal machinery, we can go up against each other and make each other’s lives difficult,” said Sainz.
Sainz noted that the pressure of a tight title battle brought cracks in even the most composed drivers and teams.
“Everyone starts making mistakes when they are under pressure. Everyone starts complaining about their car and in the media about their car. It’s all about pressure management,” the Spaniard added.
Verstappen Reflects on a Grueling Season
After a record-breaking 2023, Verstappen began 2024 on a high, with Red Bull looking like the dominant force yet again. However, mid-season struggles exposed weaknesses, forcing Verstappen to dig deeper than ever.
“I’m very proud of how everyone stuck together in those very tough races where we lost,” Verstappen said, admitting he doubted his championship hopes during the team’s dry spell.
Looking to 2025, Verstappen warned that the competition is only getting fiercer.
**“We have a lot of ideas for next year. A few things we couldn’t change anymore this year, so that is something for next year. I hope that makes the car more driveable and more competitive because I know the other ones are not sitting still.
“Next year is going to be a big battle.”**
The Stage Is Set for 2025
With McLaren leading the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari closing in, and Mercedes rediscovering its pace, the grid is poised for a highly competitive 2025 season. As Verstappen celebrates his fourth crown, rivals like Norris, Sainz, and Russell are already plotting their moves to unseat him.
For now, the teams head to Qatar for the penultimate Grand Prix before concluding the season in Abu Dhabi. But one thing is certain: the fight for supremacy in Formula 1 is far from over. As George Russell put it, “Nobody is unbeatable.”