Last Updated on November 22 2024, 8:01 am

Why the British press are criticising Verstappen: Will Buxton breaks it down – Max Verstappen is on the brink of another world title, with the possibility of clinching it in Las Vegas – a city that last year was remembered less for its glamour than for a bizarre incident involving a manhole cover.

Although the 2024 season has been a much tougher battle than his previous campaigns, Verstappen has shown exceptional skill and determination. However, his on-track brilliance hasn’t shielded him from criticism, particularly from the British press.

In an interview with **NOS**, British journalist Will Buxton praised Verstappen’s exceptional performance this year and explained the roots of the often harsh scrutiny he faces from the British media. Buxton believes that this season has seen the best version of Verstappen yet, despite the challenges he has faced on and off the track.

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Verstappen’s 2024 season: A different kind of challenge

Buxton highlights the stark contrast between Verstappen’s dominant 2023 season and the uphill battle he faced in 2024. The Red Bull Racing RB20, while still a formidable car, presented the Dutchman with numerous challenges.

“To pull performances like that out of the fire after a year where you dominated so much – that’s what a world champion does,” said Buxton.

He stressed that Verstappen’s latest campaign wasn’t just about cruising to victory in a superior car. Instead, it required relentless determination and exceptional skill to overcome the shortcomings of a car that was far from perfect.

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The struggles of the RB20: “Undriveable”.

One of the defining stories of Verstappen’s 2024 season was the difficulties he faced with Red Bull’s RB20. At the start of the season, the car appeared to be a continuation of Red Bull’s dominance, but it quickly became apparent that the RB20 was far from the fine-tuned machine Verstappen had in 2023.

“It wasn’t just that he wasn’t dominating anymore,” said Buxton.

“The car was uncontrollable at times, as Max himself put it.” Verstappen was open about his frustration with the car, which he described as “undriveable” at times.

These struggles were particularly evident during the middle part of the season, when Verstappen found himself battling not only his rivals, but also his own car.

Despite these challenges, Verstappen managed to put in outstanding performances, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience as a driver. It was this ability to get the most out of a flawed car that Buxton believes defines a true champion.

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British Press and Verstappen: A history of criticism

While Verstappen has proven to be one of the most talented drivers of his generation, his relationship with the British press has been far from smooth. According to Buxton, this criticism has less to do with Verstappen’s ability and more to do with the British media’s long-standing tendency to focus on rivalries.

“Look, the British press likes rivalries,” Buxton explained.

“Anyone who is a threat to the best British driver at the time has to pay the price.” This pattern has been evident throughout the history of F1.

For Damon Hill, it was Michael Schumacher. For Lewis Hamilton it was Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and now Max Verstappen. Even as younger British drivers such as Lando Norris rise through the ranks, Verstappen is seen as the main obstacle to their success, making him a natural target for criticism.

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Damon Hill’s criticism

Among Verstappen’s critics in the British media, former world champion Damon Hill has been particularly vocal. Hill has often questioned Verstappen’s driving style and approach, adding to the narrative that Verstappen is a divisive figure in the sport.

Buxton, however, dismisses this criticism as part of a larger tradition of rivalry-driven commentary in British motorsport journalism.

“Verstappen’s brilliant performances are what ultimately drive the narrative,” said Buxton.

“The British press may try to undermine him, but his results speak for themselves.”

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The best Verstappen yet

Despite the criticism, Verstappen’s 2024 season has been a testament to his growth and maturity as a driver. With three races to go, Verstappen is on the verge of securing his fourth world title – a feat that Buxton believes carries even more weight than his previous championships.

“Personally, I think this was the best version of Max Verstappen we have ever seen,” said Buxton.

“He never deserved to win a championship more. He really had to fight for it.”

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A championship with added sparkle

Buxton suggests that this year’s championship will hold a special place in Verstappen’s career. Unlike the dominant campaigns of 2021 and 2023, 2024 required Verstappen to dig deep and overcome significant adversity. His ability to persevere through a challenging season not only cements his status as one of the sport’s greats, but also silences those who doubted his ability to excel without a superior car.

“This year has taught us that it is dangerous to underestimate Max Verstappen,” Buxton concluded. “He has been phenomenal.”

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A legacy beyond criticism

As Verstappen prepares to add another world title to his already impressive CV, his achievements this season underline his exceptional talent and determination. While the British press may continue to scrutinise his every move, Verstappen’s achievements on the track speak louder than any headline.

Buxton’s analysis is a reminder that criticism, no matter how pointed, often pales in comparison to the brilliance of a true champion. For Max Verstappen, 2024 has been a season of challenge, growth and, ultimately, triumph – a legacy that even his harshest critics cannot ignore.

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MORE F1 NEWS – Breaking: Verstappen reveals new plans

Verstappen reflects on fourth title and his new plans in an exclusive interview with the German media – Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula One champion, is on the verge of clinching a fourth consecutive world title. The Dutchman, known for his relentless drive and exceptional skill, is heading to the Las Vegas Grand Prix where he could clinch the title with another stellar performance.

In an exclusive interview with the German media RTL/ntv and sport.de, Verstappen discussed his journey, the significance of a fourth championship and what lies ahead in his career with his future planning…READ MORE ON THIS STORY