With a fourth consecutive world championship, Max Verstappen has solidified his status as one of the all-time greats, a recognition he has richly earned through this year’s title, his most fiercely contested yet. After a commanding start in a dominant Red Bull, he executed flawlessly to secure victories in four of the first five races, maintaining his composure even as controversy swirled around team principal Christian Horner. However, McLaren’s upgrades in Miami sparked a resurgence from Lando Norris, and after the Spanish GP, with McLaren demonstrating superior speed, Verstappen had to dig deep and make the most of a car he described as an ‘undriveable monster’. He did so with the grit and determination reminiscent of legends like Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher. Consistently scoring valuable points between Spain and Brazil was crucial and ultimately proved sufficient to clinch the title, showcasing a champion’s performance. However, his aggressive, unyielding approach on track often backfired, leading to penalties. This aspect of his character was further highlighted by his ill-tempered clash with George Russell late in the season and his risky move on Oscar Piastri in the Abu Dhabi finale, which, while inconsequential to him, could have impacted McLaren’s championship bid.

Pushing through the mid-season with an ill-handling car, the title remained up for grabs for Verstappen at São Paulo, where the race could have swung in Norris’s favor. The Dutch driver faced misfortune with a red flag in qualifying, leaving him 12th, a setback compounded by a five-place penalty, placing him 17th on the grid. With Norris on pole, a shift in momentum seemed likely. Verstappen, however, was undeterred. In treacherous, wet conditions at the start, he seized his opportunity. While others spun off, he remained in control, slicing through the field to 11th by the end of the first lap. His mastery in the wet continued, with one overtake after another; by lap 11, he was sixth and just 10 seconds behind the leader. Benefiting from a free tyre change when the race was red-flagged, his move to lead during the restart from Esteban Ocon was a testament to his exceptional command of the conditions. Norris’s off-track moment at the restart perhaps encapsulated the difference in their seasons. By the end, Verstappen’s lead was 20 seconds, a decisive moment in the title fight and one of the finest performances of his career.

Norris may have faltered at times and acknowledged his errors against Verstappen, but McLaren, who secured their first constructors’ championship in 26 years, can be justifiably proud of their performance. After trailing Red Bull by 115 points post-Miami GP, Norris and Oscar Piastri stepped up, leveraging the improved machinery. While some questionable strategy calls raised eyebrows, the decision not to prioritize Norris’s title charge earlier, though fair to both drivers, may have lacked the ruthless edge needed against Verstappen. Team principal Andrea Stella has been pivotal in this turnaround, steering with calm focus, while CEO Zak Brown’s restructuring efforts must also be commended. If they maintain this momentum next season, they will be serious contenders for both titles.

McLaren’s prolonged struggle to end their title drought mirrored Lewis Hamilton’s own torturous wait for a grand prix win. A staggering 945 days had elapsed between his 103rd victory in Saudi Arabia in 2021 and his 104th at this year’s British Grand Prix. His drive was a masterclass in skill, control, and pace, particularly in challenging wet conditions. Hamilton took the lead, lost it to the fast McLarens, regained it, and executed the perfect switch to slicks, holding off a late charge from Verstappen. Emotional at the finish, he admitted fearing he might never win again. The crowd’s standing ovation as he circled the track, draped in the union flag, underscored the deep connection with his home fans.

As the field closed in and racing intensified, the wheel-to-wheel action was thrilling, though marred by questionable tactics. For sheer audacity and skill, Alex Albon’s move in Canada stood out. Williams improved again this season, and in Montreal, their straight-line speed was an asset. Albon qualified 10th and was eager to score points. On lap 30, he overtook Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon in a breathtaking maneuver, threading the needle through a gap barely the width of his car. Ricciardo’s admiring response highlighted the contrast with some of the season’s more unsavory incidents.

Three seasons into the new regulations, Mercedes still struggles to fully adapt. This season was their best since 2022, yet they failed to match Ferrari and McLaren’s consistency. While they secured four wins, one fewer than Ferrari, the Scuderia’s improved consistency contrasts with Mercedes’ ongoing issues. When the car performs, it’s formidable, as seen with George Russell in Las Vegas and Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone, but replicating these performances consistently remains elusive. Mid-season upgrades proved detrimental, leading to the ditching of the new floor, suggesting the car’s secrets are yet to be fully unlocked. Their occasional presence in the mix harks back to their dominant days, but their absence from the front was noticeable. If they can finally crack the code for 2025, a genuine four-way battle could unfold.

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