Max Verstappen admitted that he felt relieved after winning his fourth title, reflecting on the intense pressure he faced during the middle of the 2024 season.

Verstappen’s dominant start to the season, with seven Grand Prix wins in the first ten races, suggested a clear path to the championship. However, Lando Norris mounted a strong challenge in the second half of the season. Norris, fueled by his first win in Miami and his solid post-summer performance, kept his title fight alive. Meanwhile, Red Bull faced several issues, prompting Verstappen to express doubts mid-season about the team’s ability to secure both championships.

“It’s been a long season. We started off amazing—it felt almost like cruising—but then we hit a tough patch,” Verstappen said. “As a team, we stayed united, kept working on improvements, and managed to pull through. I’m incredibly proud of everyone and what they’ve done for me. To stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought possible. Right now, I feel relieved but also very proud.”

Reflecting on the challenges, Verstappen acknowledged personal and professional growth. “This season was very demanding, and staying calm was key,” he noted. “I think I enjoyed last season more—it was a lot of fun—but this year taught me lessons I’m very proud of. The way we handled things as a team makes this season special and beautiful.”

Verstappen also recognized the patience and support of his fans and the Red Bull team. “It’s incredible to see fans everywhere supporting me. I think they got a bit spoiled last year with all the wins, so waiting during the middle of this season must have been tough for them. But their support never wavered.”

“To the team, what can I say? We’ve been through so much together. Achieving these highs with this group of people—both at the track and at the factory—is incredibly special. They’ve been working tirelessly to give me a car capable of fighting for titles, and winning four in a row is something extraordinary.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Verstappen anticipates a competitive season. “Next year looks like it’ll be a proper battle with many strong cars. I’m hungry for more. For now, I’ll enjoy this moment, but there are still two races left this season where I want to perform well. Then, we’ll take a short break and prepare to go at it again next year.”