Open your eyes and get up early: first match point for Verstappen

Max Verstappen has a first match point. It comes on Sunday (7.00 CET/live ORF 1, Sky) before Lando Norris If he reaches the finish line, his fourth title in a row is guaranteed – and he would take another step towards legendary status.

Focus on the title

“For me, Max Verstappen is the best driver in the world and he has proven that in the difficult phases of this season,” praised his top boss, Red Bull’s managing director Oliver Mintzlaff in conversation with the DPA. “He never lost sight of his goal of becoming world champion.”

The 27-year-old Dutchman hasn’t been in the fastest car since the middle of the season. He remained without a win in ten Grands Prix in a row. His huge lead has melted somewhat, but his pursuer Norris did not (yet) have the class to really pose a threat to the Red Bull man in 2024. With a fourth title, Verstappen would draw level with Formula 1 legends Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost. Only Michael Schumacher (GER/7), Hamilton (GBR/7) and Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG/5) won more world titles.

In any case, the Dutchman is determined. “If you want to win on the track, if you want to be a champion, you have to be at the limit.”

Verstappen has always been at the limit – sometimes even beyond it. Only with his experience did he learn about his limitations – and those of physics. “If you want to become a world champion, you can’t afford bad results.” In São Paulo he last won from 17th place on the grid. Praise for this came from a real Formula 1 legend: “I’ve seen all the greats,” he said former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (94). “But this is one of the best I’ve ever seen.”