Following the first few races of the 2024 Formula One season, the fare on the track was met with an almost caustic reception. Max Verstappen, who had dominated for the previous two years, was mowing down the opposition. It is as unexpected as it is pleasant that the sport is returning from its summer break with renewed energy and a potentially formidable competition in the last ten races.
Four of the first five races for Red Bull were won by the Dutchman, who will be competing in his 200th race this weekend at his home meeting at Zandvoort. The only thing that marred that run was a brake issue that prevented him from winning in Australia.
Thankfully, sports don’t always go as planned, and Verstappen and Red Bull are well aware of their impending feud prior to the Dutch Grand Prix. Mercedes has now realized the potential in their once unresponsive vehicle, while McLaren has undoubtedly had the fastest car since Lando Norris won at round six in Miami. Seven different champions have emerged from the season as the understudies have forced their way onto Verstappen’s platform.
Since the June Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen has failed to win in the last four races. Under pressure, he and his colleagues addressed questions in Zandvoort repeatedly, emphasizing that their only objective was to find more performance. The margin has vanished.