P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has enjoyed a relatively easy route to his last two titles – but his 2024 quest saw a much sharper challenge.
Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, expressed that Max Verstappen has been making “mistakes” due to the increased pressure on him this year. Verstappen had an easier path to his second and third F1 titles in 2022 and 2023, but faced challenges in 2024 with Red Bull’s dip in form leading to a winless streak and Lando Norris closing the gap in the standings. Verstappen’s aggressive tactics against Norris in the USA and Mexico resulted in time penalties for forcing Norris off the track multiple times. Andretti noted that the tight title battle has changed Verstappen’s demeanor compared to previous seasons. Verstappen currently leads Norris by 62 points after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, while McLaren aims to secure its first constructors’ title since 1998. Andretti mentioned that McLaren and its drivers Norris and Piastri need time to adjust to consistently competing at the front in F1.
