British journalist slams Verstappen: ‘You know what happened then?’ – The 2024 Formula One season has officially ended, and it was anything but predictable. While reigning world champion Max Verstappen began the year with a display of sheer dominance reminiscent of his 2023 campaign, the rest of the season presented challenges that neither he nor Red Bull Racing had anticipated.

Reflecting on the year, British journalist Ted Kravitz described Verstappen’s title-winning campaign as a “different kind of season” for the Dutchman. However, Kravitz couldn’t resist taking a jab at Verstappen by alluding to the controversial 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen, who was widely expected to steamroll the competition once again, won four of the opening five races. From there, however, the road to the championship became much more complex.

The RB20 failed to provide Verstappen with the near flawless performance he had come to expect, as rival teams closed the gap.

According to Kravitz, these challenges revealed a different side to Verstappen, who had to recalibrate his approach to winning the championship in 2024.

“We saw a different Max Verstappen,” Kravitz told the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.

“He won the championship in a different way this year.”

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Kravitz Revisits 2021: A dig at Verstappen

While praising Verstappen for adapting to new challenges, Kravitz couldn’t help but revisit the infamous 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, which remains one of the most polarising moments in modern F1 history.

“We had the dominance of 2023, and before that the difficult start to 2022, which ended on a high note. But of course, we all know what happened in 2021,” said Kravitz with unmistakable undertones.

The reference is likely to spark debate among fans and pundits as the events of Abu Dhabi 2021 continue to cast a long shadow over Verstappen’s first championship triumph. The British journalist implied that Verstappen’s victory this season – while earned through sheer determination – lacked the controversy that marked his previous success.

Kravitz went on to suggest that this year’s version of Verstappen appeared calmer and more measured, qualities that may have helped him navigate a tougher campaign.

“He was maybe a bit calmer, more thoughtful about certain things,” Kravitz explained.

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A battle with Norris: A season-defining rivalry

While Verstappen emerged victorious, his path to the title was far from straightforward, with McLaren’s Lando Norris posing a significant challenge. Kravitz highlighted how the competition between Verstappen and Norris injected new excitement into the championship.

“Verstappen won seven of the first ten races this year. But then when Lando won at Zandvoort, after Oscar [Piastri] won at Budapest, we all thought: this McLaren is a rocket,” Kravitz noted.

“Then we thought there would be a real fight for the championship.”

McLaren’s resurgence became one of the most compelling stories of the season. Sensing an opportunity, Norris repeatedly called on his team to support his championship bid. However, according to Kravitz, the support came too late.

“Lando knew he had a chance and that’s why he asked for team support. He only got it after the Monza race.”

For Verstappen, that meant dealing with a rejuvenated McLaren squad while dealing with Red Bull’s inconsistencies. The RB20, while still competitive, no longer enjoyed the clear advantage it had in previous seasons.

“Red Bull didn’t always have the best car this year,” said Kravitz. “It really had to work harder, including at the factory. He said it himself – he’s never had to work so hard for a title.”

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The rise of McLaren and Ferrari: new contenders emerge

Kravitz’s comments also reflected how the rise of McLaren and the steady improvements of Ferrari have changed the competitive landscape in 2024. With Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri putting in consistently strong performances, McLaren have emerged as a formidable force capable of pushing Red Bull to the brink.

“That was nice to see too – the rise of McLaren,” said Kravitz.

“Norris and Oscar Piastri, we really have to take them into account. They’re drivers we’re going to see a lot more of in the future.”

Away from McLaren, Ferrari also showed significant progress. Although unable to quite match the pace of Red Bull and McLaren, the Scuderia remained within striking distance throughout the season.

“We can’t forget Ferrari, of course. They were just a little bit behind,” Kravitz added.

The increased competition meant that Verstappen’s path to a fourth world championship was far more challenging. As Kravitz summed it up, “We had a different kind of Formula 1 this year.

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A season to remember

While 2024 may not have delivered the same dominance that Red Bull and Verstappen enjoyed in 2023, it did offer fans an exhilarating season defined by fierce rivalries and a shifting competitive balance. Kravitz’s reflections capture the essence of a year in which Verstappen had to fight harder than ever, adapting to challenges from McLaren, Ferrari and even his own car.

For Lando Norris, the season was a breakthrough. Although the McLaren driver failed to win the championship, his performances cemented his status as one of the sport’s future stars. Alongside him, Oscar Piastri proved his credentials and ensured that McLaren would remain a team to watch in the years to come.

The resurgence of Ferrari added another layer of intrigue to the season, as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz pushed the Scuderia back into contention. Though they missed out on race wins at times, their progress suggests a stronger 2025 campaign could be on the horizon.

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Verstappen’s legacy: The debate continues

Despite another championship, the continued references to 2021 – such as Kravitz’s pointed comment – serve as a reminder that Verstappen’s legacy remains the subject of heated debate. His ability to adapt, persevere and ultimately triumph in 2024 demonstrated his versatility as a driver, but for critics the controversies of previous years still loom large.

Regardless of the debates, Verstappen’s achievements cannot be underestimated. Winning a championship in a season full of competition and technical challenges is a testament to his growth and resilience.

As the sport looks ahead to 2025, the storylines set in motion this year – the rise of McLaren, the resurgence of Ferrari and the continued development of Verstappen – promise to deliver even more excitement and drama.

For now, though, Verstappen can celebrate his hard-fought title, even as his detractors continue to scrutinise his past. Kravitz’s barbs may sting, but the Dutchman’s latest triumph speaks louder than any dig.

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