Max Verstappen: 'We didn't lose the title because we were never in the fight'

Max Verstappen has explained that missing the 2024 Formula 1 world championship by just two points doesn't feel like a loss, because his Red Bull team was "never really in it" for most of the season. The Dutch driver mounted a remarkable late-season comeback but ultimately fell short to McLaren's Lando Norris, finishing with more race wins but fewer points.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's perspective highlights the brutal reality of a season where Red Bull was uncharacteristically off the pace for extended periods. His comments underscore that championship battles are defined by sustained competitiveness, not just late surges, and reframe a near-miss as an overachievement given the car's early limitations. This mindset could be crucial for Red Bull's motivation heading into a critical 2025 season.

The details:

• Verstappen trailed the championship lead by a significant 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, following a tough first half of the season for Red Bull.
• His comeback was fueled by mid-season car improvements and a series of costly McLaren errors, including driver mistakes, strategy blunders, a Norris reliability failure, and a double disqualification in Las Vegas for excessive plank wear.
• The driver specifically dismissed the idea that his penalty for colliding with George Russell in Spain cost him the title, arguing the championship was lost across many races where Red Bull lacked performance.
• He pointed to internal team turmoil, including the mid-season replacement of Team Principal Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies, as a key factor in the team's disrupted campaign.

The big picture:

Verstappen's eight wins to Norris's seven show he remained the most potent race-day competitor, but consistency and car development ultimately decided the title. His philosophical take—"You're either pregnant or you're not. You're not half pregnant"—signals an acceptance that being close doesn't equate to deserving the crown. The season exposes Red Bull's vulnerability when its technical advantage erodes, setting the stage for a multi-team fight in 2025 where early-season form will be even more critical.

What's next:

Red Bull's focus now shifts entirely to 2025. The late-season performance gains provide a foundation, but Verstappen's comments make it clear the team cannot afford another slow start. The pressure is on to deliver a car from winter testing that can fight for the championship from the opening round, or risk another season playing catch-up.