Celebrating a 4 Time Formula One World Champion

Being a four time plus Formula One World Champion is no easy feat. Just ask the illustrious list of five that are the only drivers in the world to achieve such a prestigious record. Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel can all be arguably perceived as some of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, and now, in 2024, Max Verstappen is the latest addition to this high profile list with his fourth consecutive Championship win coming at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, despite his incredible on track dominance, you can't deny that his journey to number four has been anything but easy, instead ending up on a path full of controversies and, at times, erratic on track behaviours that have had many questioning the racing rule book. Regardless, Verstappen has achieved what only others can dream about; being a well celebrated multiple F1 World Champion.

Throwing it back to 2014 and many felt dubious as to whether a 17 year old Max Verstappen would actually be ready for a full time Formula One seat for 2015. But, despite only having a handful of single seater races under his belt, he quickly emerged as a hot talent for 2015, with the likes of both Red Bull and Mercedes chasing after his services. Ultimately, he would end up with Red Bull, jumping the entire Junior Team hierarchy to take one of two seats at Toro Rosso for 2015 and therefore breaking the record as the youngest driver to ever start a Grand Prix race at age 17 years and 166 days. This was just the start of a dream F1 career for the Dutch youngster.

Verstappen would go on to have many highs and several lows on the road to four championships. From his first win on his Red Bull Racing debut in 2016, to his very controversial first Championship win in 2021, he's experienced it all. But one thing that regularly comes to light in regards to Verstappen is his, at times, questionable driving style, particularly his defending skills which has come under severe criticism in past and recent times. Sky F1 Pundit, and ex F1 driver, Martin Brundle has even gone as far to suggest that Verstappen is "tainting his legacy" with his lack of sportsmanship. Others, however, may differ with their opinion, with some even believing his aggressive approach to racing is what has earned him so much success.

Focusing more on his achievements rather than his difficulties, Verstappen is also the holder of several records that he has broken over his 9 years in the series. These include, but aren't limited to "Most Wins in a Season," "Highest Percentage of Wins in a Season," "Most Consecutive Wins," "Youngest Winner," and "Youngest to Set a Fastest Lap." From his records alone, it is evident that he is a force to be reckoned with and that the media of Formula One had correct suspicions back in 2015 when they believed Verstappen would achieve great things.

But what do I think?

Verstappen's achievements should be celebrated, as has been the case for others before him. I don't hide the fact that I was skeptical of the then youngster when he made his F1 debut in 2015, believing his age and lack of experience would hinder him on his quest to be one of the best. And, I don't hide the fact that I don't always agree on his current driving standards, especially when he finds himself under pressure. Don't get me wrong, an aggressive driving style appeals to me. To be the best, you have to be prepared to be selfish, but only to an extent that is. Verstappen is a prime example of how "un-perfect" Formua One Champions can be. At the end of the day, you don't just win 4 World Championships on the off chance.

Race Review: Brazilian Grand Prix 2024

If there is one Grand Prix to look forward to over the course of a Formula One season it has to be the Brazilian Grand Prix. And, once again it lived up to all expectations, with another nail biting race as we inch ever so closer to the end of a fantastic Formula One season. In fact, this may just turn out to be a pivotal race in 2024, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull reaping the rewards come Grand Prix Sunday, as McLaren and Lando Norris' pole position failed to materialize into nothing more than 6th position, thanks to plenty of on-track drama and the typical Brazilian Grand Prix wet weather that always guarantees an unpredictable race to the chequered flag.

In 2024, the action began as early as the formation lap when Aston Martin's Lance Stroll found himself in the barrier before then beaching himself in the gravel as he attempted to return to the track. This would lead to an aborted start of the race for the remainder of the field who had now made it back to the grid, as well as extreme confusion between drivers, teams, fans and pundits alike when Norris would lead the field off on a second formation lap - one that shouldn't have happened. He, alongside several other leading drivers, would find themselves under investigation for this infringement; all getting away with either a fine or a slap on the wrist. Regardless, it's another prime example of how some F1 rules need a bit of clarification, to avoid meaningless mistakes like this in the future.

With the race finally underway, the opening lap appeared cleaner than many would have expected on a damp track. Norris would lose his lead to George Russell, while Red Bull's Sergio Perez would find himself in a spin before recovering in last position, continuing his string of diabolical performances while making his uncertain F1 future even more so. As for Lewis Hamilton, some early race rain would see him take to the run off on lap twelve, before losing positions to Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman after a lock up. Sainz would also later lock up, falling behind Bearman and Franco Colapinto.

Rain would, in theory, become one of the biggest talking points of this year's Brazilian Grand Prix, with it reaching it's highest intensity by Lap 27. Pit stops would be triggered with many pitting for a change of intermediate tyre, while others, mainly back markers, would take a failed gamble on full wets. And, with the track becoming as wet as it would, drama was inevitable. Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson would come together at turn one, the former receiving a 10 second penalty for the collision. Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tusnoda would battle it out for 3rd with Ocon getting the better of the RB in the wet conditions. The same being said for Norris on Russell after pitting at the same time. Nico Hulkenberg would spin his Haas off the track in Sector One, coming to a halt, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car. He would get going again, with illegal help from the marshals, resulting in the first Black Flag in a Formula One race since 2007. Eventually, the Race Stewards would deploy the Safety Car, the first of two in this race. The second coming in the latter stages when Sainz, fresh from his Mexico Grand Prix win, found himself in the barrier on Lap 40.

Did the drama end there? Oh no. Several drivers, including that of Norris and Charles Leclerc, would lock up their tyres on the restarts. Bearman would also find the barriers before continuing on his way. And, Fernando Alonso, with immense back pain, would take an unscheduled trip through the run off. However, it would be Colapinto that would spin into the barrier in the final sector, writing off his Williams and bringing out a red flag. Driver was ok.

For some, take the Alpines of Ocon and Pierre Gasly as well as Verstappen, for example, the red flag was a "god send." For others, Norris and Russell, it was the worst thing that could happen to their race. Again, the debate rages on as to whether drivers should be allowed free tyre changes under a red... I'm sure in this situation Verstappen would be all for it. It played a part in his win after all, as he took the lead from then leader, Ocon, at he restart. The Red Bull would then hold off both Alpines until the very end, taking the chequered flag and firmly placing a hand on the Championship trophy. Ocon and Gasly would finished 2nd and 3rd in an impressive race for the Alpine team.

This race was a classic Brazilian Grand Prix, on par with the likes of 2012. It's still such a shame that it is no longer the season finale because what a season finale it used to be! Anyway, 3 exciting races to go. Next up: Vegas!

Race Review: Mexico City Grand Prix 2024

With Formula One now entering the tail end of the season we would, as per previous years, start to see the championship battle come to an end. But, not in 2024. If anything, it is hotter and it is spicer than any other season during this era of Formula One car regulation. And, this past weekend’s outing in Mexico City did nothing to extinguish the heat between our championship leader; Max Verstappen, and his rival; Lando Norris.

The opening laps of the Mexico City Grand Prix were full of drama, with turn one on the first lap catching out both Yuki Tsunoda and Alexander Albon, who collided in a racing incident, eliminating them both and bringing out the Safety Car. Elsewhere, Verstappen would pass Carlos Sainz for the lead, while hometown hero; Sergio Perez, would be on the receiving end of a five second time penalty after jumping the start in his lonely position of 18th. Although, he thought his start was great…

With the Safety Car returning to base after several laps, the real action would kick off come lap nine with Sainz retaking the lead from Verstappen, now leaving the Red Bull driver in the clutches of Norris. Would we get a repeat of Austin? You bet. The duo would battle over the course of a lap before Norris would make his move the next time around. Verstappen, being Verstappen, was having none of it and squeezed the McLaren off, not once, but twice, in moves that could easily have ended both of their races. The second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc would have the best view in the house of this battle, taking advantage of the squabbling to propel himself up into 2nd. With the Red Bull team already carrying a five second penalty thanks to Perez and his start, things were about to get worse with the Race Stewards decision to slap Verstappen with two separate ten second time penalties, totaling it to twenty. Verstappen, on the other hand, did not seem fazed in the slightest. Kind of odd, if you ask me.

Things weren’t any easier for Verstappen’s teammate either. Perez’s race would go from bad to worse, with the Mexican driver’s struggles continuing to show him up. He would find himself battling with Liam Lawson, getting relatively aggressive with his defence. This would eventually result in contact and damage to Perez’s Red Bull car, leaving him nowhere but right at the back of the field. Lawson would get his revenge, however. Firing past Perez on the start/finish straight, the VCARB driver would show his new found rival the “finger.” The youngster is definitely a fully fledged F1 driver now. As for Perez, it was a last place finish at his home race.

In all fairness to Perez, did anyone actually have a trouble free race? There were plenty of front wings getting knocked about with carbon fibre littering the track in places. Franco Colapinto reported steering issues with his Williams - “it’s going stiff and then soft,” dont laugh, we’re all adults here. Alongside Verstappen’s woes, he struggled to get his hard tyres to work. Leclerc was repeatedly told to lift and coast, before having a moment in the final corner in the closing stages that almost saw him in the wall. Fernando Alonso would DNF on his 400th race in Formula One. And, fellow Spaniard and leader of the race; Sainz, reported that his engine was misfiring out of turn three on lap thirty seven. Phew.

However, it was Sainz who started how he meant to go on. From pole to another F1 win; his fourth, to be exact. After strong a weekend from practice to qualifying to the race, the Mexico City GP 2024 was always going to be his, and well deserved indeed. Will he win again in 2024 before jumping ship to Williams in 2025, who knows. Joining him on the podium was Norris in 2nd and Leclerc in 3rd, with Norris continuing to close in on Verstappen in the drivers championship. Also, maybe it’s time we turned our heads to the constructors championship as well, with Ferrari getting ever so closer to McLaren for the lead, while Red Bull drift away. Oh, it’s all such fun!

Next up: Brazil!