Janice R. Andrews
Max Verstappen’s fourth consecutive Formula 1 title in 2024 has drawn widespread acclaim, but Lando Norris has spotlighted an overlooked aspect of the Red Bull driver’s success: the absence of intra-team competition. Speaking ahead of the penultimate race in Qatar, Norris argued that Verstappen’s lack of a competitive teammate in Sergio Perez may have both helped and hindered his dominant season.
Verstappen’s Solo Mission: Blessing or Burden?
After clinching the title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen remarked that he could have secured the championship “even earlier” if driving for McLaren or Ferrari, suggesting the Red Bull RB20 lost its early-season supremacy.
Verstappen’s early-season form, however, was unmatched. Winning four of the first six races, he built a commanding lead over Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Yet Norris contended that without a teammate pushing him, Verstappen has faced unique challenges.
“He doesn’t have anyone pushing him or experimenting with different setups, which makes the data less useful,” Norris explained. “He’s had to rely solely on himself, and that’s a testament to his skill and consistency.”
While acknowledging this dynamic relieved Verstappen of internal competition, Norris noted it also brought comfort. “There’s no one he has to beat in his own team, which makes life easier. But pressure from a teammate can also push you to perform better,” he added.
Norris and Leclerc Face Internal Struggles
In stark contrast, both Norris and Leclerc have had to contend with strong teammates throughout the season, impacting their title ambitions. Norris has often locked horns with Oscar Piastri, with incidents like the first-corner clash in Hungary and strategic missteps at Monza costing valuable points.
Leclerc, too, has faced stiff opposition from Carlos Sainz at Ferrari. Fierce battles between the two—spanning races from Bahrain to Las Vegas—have seen Sainz regularly challenge Leclerc, sometimes undermining Ferrari’s overall performance.
These internal rivalries have undoubtedly added complexity to Norris and Leclerc’s title pursuits, prompting Norris to express hope that Verstappen might one day face similar challenges. “I hope at some point he has a teammate who can push him a bit more,” Norris remarked.
Leclerc Dismisses Verstappen’s Claim
Charles Leclerc also weighed in on Verstappen’s recent claim that he would have excelled even more in a McLaren or Ferrari. With a playful tone, Leclerc dismissed the statement, saying, “He should try comedy. Of course, I completely disagree. He’s good, but… that’s just not true.”
Red Bull’s Unique Dynamic
This season, Red Bull’s internal structure has contrasted sharply with that of McLaren and Ferrari. While Norris and Leclerc have juggled external competition and teammate rivalries, Verstappen has operated in a team environment free from such distractions.
This lack of internal pressure has allowed Verstappen to focus solely on external battles but at the expense of gaining strategic insights from a competitive teammate. Norris suggested that while the arrangement might appear advantageous, it presents its own set of challenges.
As the 2024 F1 season nears its end, Verstappen’s dominance continues to draw attention. However, Norris’s comments shine a light on the complexities of his journey, raising questions about whether Verstappen could benefit—or struggle—with a teammate who truly challenges him.
For now, Verstappen’s fourth title remains a testament to his unmatched skill and perseverance in a season where Red Bull’s dynamics played a pivotal role in his success.
