Mekies Credits Team's 'Fire' for Verstappen's 2024 Comeback

Max Verstappen's near-miraculous 2024 title comeback, which saw him fall just two points short after being 104 points behind, was fueled by an internal 'fire' within Red Bull, according to new team principal Laurent Mekies. He credits the team's unified drive to make the car faster for the stunning late-season surge, which included six wins in the final nine races, transforming a season that seemed lost into a thrilling fight for the championship.

Why it matters:

This narrative is crucial for Red Bull's identity heading into 2025. After a mid-season slump that cost them the championship lead and a major leadership change with Christian Horner's departure, the team's ability to rally and deliver such a strong performance demonstrates deep-seated resilience. It suggests the core culture at Milton Keynes is fundamentally strong and focused on pure racing, a vital asset for future title fights.

The details:

• The Deficit: After the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Verstappen trailed McLaren's Oscar Piastri by 104 points, with the championship seemingly out of reach.
• The Rally: The Dutchman won six of the remaining nine races, ultimately losing the championship to Lando Norris by a mere two points after the McLaren driver overtook his teammate.
• Mekies' Role: Taking over as team principal after Horner's sacking, Mekies consistently deflected credit, stating his impact was 'zero' and that the turnaround was purely the work of the existing team.
• The 'Fire': Mekies described the team's atmosphere as one where members have a 'fire to get that car faster,' fostering an environment for difficult but productive technical conversations without internal conflict.

What's next:

The challenge for Red Bull is to carry this momentum into the 2025 season. While the late-season charge was impressive, starting the year on the front foot is essential to avoid another large points deficit. The team's proven ability to unite and extract performance under pressure will be its greatest strength as it aims to reclaim both the drivers' and constructors' titles.