After the Dutchman’s fourth F1 title: Horner reveals Verstappen’s special secret – Last Sunday in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen cemented his legacy as one of Formula One’s greatest drivers by clinching his fourth consecutive world championship.
In a season that tested his mettle like no other, Verstappen proved why he remains the benchmark in modern motorsport. Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner has now shed light on the unique role Verstappen played behind the scenes during this gruelling campaign, offering rare insights into the Dutchman’s extraordinary development as a driver and contributor to the team.
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A hard-fought championship like no other
For Verstappen, the 2024 season was a far cry from his previous triumphs in 2021, 2022 and 2023. While his dominance in the previous two seasons seemed almost effortless, 2024 presented unprecedented challenges for both the driver and his team.
“Along with 2021, it was the most difficult championship,” said Horner, a man who has guided Red Bull to all eight of its Drivers’ Championships – four with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and now four with Verstappen.
That distinction makes Horner one of the most successful team bosses in F1 history, but even he admitted that this season has stretched the team to the limit.
The fiercely competitive nature of the 2024 grid has seen Red Bull battle more consistently with rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and an up-and-coming McLaren. According to Horner, the demanding nature of the season highlighted Verstappen’s growth not only as a driver but as an integral part of the team’s technical and strategic operations.
Verstappen’s pivotal role in car development
While Formula One’s fans get to see the drama unfold on race weekends, much of the sport’s success depends on the work that goes on away from the public eye – in factories, simulators and wind tunnels. Verstappen’s involvement in these unseen arenas has taken on a new dimension for 2024, according to Horner.
“Max has put in a huge amount of effort – with the engineers, with the designers and in the simulator,” Horner revealed.
“He has invested more time and worked more closely with the team than ever before.”
One of Verstappen’s most important contributions has been his precise feedback in moments of technical uncertainty.
“For example, when the results in the wind tunnel did not match the performance on track, it was his precise feedback that showed us where we needed to improve,” Horner explained. This ability to bridge the gap between technical data and on-track performance is rare, even among F1’s elite drivers.
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A season of challenges and resilience
The challenges of the 2024 season were many. From reliability issues to tougher competition, Verstappen had to fight tooth and nail for every point. His eight race wins and five additional podium finishes were hard-earned and in stark contrast to the dominance of previous years.
Horner noted how Verstappen rose to the occasion and inspired the entire Red Bull organisation.
“There are 1,000 people in our team and all departments have to work together to achieve great results. I think Max has really helped to inspire that,” he said.
Verstappen’s leadership extends beyond providing technical feedback; he has been instrumental in fostering a unified team spirit.
“Through his commitment and dedication, he has not only inspired the technical development of the team, but also helped everyone at Red Bull to work towards a common goal and come closer together,” added Horner.
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Verstappen’s evolution as a leader
For a driver who burst onto the F1 scene at the age of 17, Verstappen’s transformation into a team leader has been remarkable.
Early in his career, he was known for his aggressive racing style and fierce determination, traits that sometimes overshadowed his technical acumen. But in 2024, Verstappen has shown that he is far more than just a prodigious talent behind the wheel.
“His contribution this season has been extraordinary,” enthused Horner.
“He has given phenomenal feedback and set the direction for the team. His commitment has been unwavering and has been instrumental in helping us overcome the hurdles we have faced.”
This level of involvement and influence is rare for drivers, who often leave the technical nuances to the engineers and designers. Verstappen, however, has embraced this responsibility, helping Red Bull optimise their car even in difficult circumstances.
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The legacy of a four-time world champion
With his fourth championship in the bag, Verstappen joins an exclusive club of F1 legends that includes Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. But his career suggests he is far from finished. At just 27 years of age, Verstappen continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, both on and off the track.
This season has reinforced the idea that Verstappen’s success is not just the product of natural talent or Red Bull’s engineering prowess. Instead, it is a testament to his relentless work ethic, adaptability and growing leadership skills.
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Looking ahead
As Formula One enters the next phase of its evolution, with new regulations and technological advances on the horizon, Verstappen and Red Bull Racing remain the benchmark. However, the Dutchman’s achievements in 2024 stand out as a season that tested his resilience and highlighted his holistic approach to racing.
For Horner, the secret to Verstappen’s success lies not only in his driving, but in his ability to inspire and uplift those around him.
“Max has helped create a culture of excellence within the team,” Horner concluded. “This championship is a testament to his extraordinary contribution, not just as a driver, but as a leader.”
As the celebrations in Las Vegas fade and the focus shifts to the 2025 season, Verstappen’s legacy as a four-time world champion will undoubtedly serve as the foundation for Red Bull’s continued success in F1.
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Ferrari lost their competitive edge due to rule changes and so the former ace decided the time was right for him to step back from front line racing. He became an advisor to Ferrari and effectively Jean Todts number two in the team structure as he oversaw the Ferrari development programme at the Jerez circuit. He focused on testing electronics and tyres for the 2008 season.
Yet as is often the case with F1 champions, Michael felt he had unfinished business in the sport and was persuaded by the newly acquired Mercedes team to return alongside Nico Rosberg as one of their drivers in 2010…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
