Horner: Verstappen inspired in the cockpit, out of it also

Verstappen claimed his fourth F1 drivers' crown in a row last weekend after finishing fifth in the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix as the gap between him and rival Lando Norris reached an insurmountable 63 points with two races remaining.

The Dutchman's triumph came in a tumultuous season for Red Bull, who had to deal with several obstacles starting with Christian Horner's sexting scandal, followed by the departure of key personnel, the most high profile being design guru Adrian Newey, not to mention the fact that the RB20 was not the dominant car; its predecessor, the RB19, was in 2023.

But Verstappen continued to operate at the highest level, maximizing the opportunities presented to him and scoring consistently while winning eight grands prix, which basically secured his fourth F1 title.

Speaking in Las Vegas after the grand prix, Horner commented on his star driver's achievement; he said: "This marks the culmination of an epic campaign and a fantastic win for Max. Not just today but throughout an uncompromising year and at times without the necessary tools at his disposal.

"He has inspired in the cockpit but out of it also," the Briton claimed. "The way he has conducted himself and the way he has worked with the engineers and wider team has been phenomenal."

While the 2022 and 2023 seasons were a walk in the park for Verstappen, his 2024 F1 title was a tough one, much like his maiden title in 2021, which he secured after a bitter season-long fight with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

"Together with 2021, this was one of the toughest years the Team have experienced," Horner went on. "But Max has once again elevated himself to another level of exceptionalism.

"He's won more than double the races of any other driver, mounting a formidable campaign and at times having to overcome insurmountable margins. On the days when we didn't deliver a win or when he had everything thrown at him, he has still delivered points. He has been extraordinary, he explained.

Horner did not fail to mention the efforts the team have put in to help Verstappen achieve his fourth championship.

He added: "Behind the scenes there was a huge effort to help bring this championship over the line. It is something to celebrate here at track but equally back at the factory.

"I am incredibly grateful for all the work and late nights that went into this success and everyone back in Milton Keynes can be proud of their hand in this championship.

"Ultimately though, this win belongs to Max. Congratulations on number four Max, you deserve every moment of it," Horner concluded.