Carlos Sainz reveals key factor behind making Max Verstappen ‘driver of the year’ in 2024

Max Verstappen's ability to remain composed under pressure has been applauded by his former teammate Carlos Sainz.

Carlos Sainz reveals key factor behind making Max Verstappen ‘driver of the year’ in 2024

Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has praised Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after the latter’s championship triumph. Verstappen secured the fourth consecutive world championship of his career after finishing P5 at the Las Vegas GP.

Max Verstappen has been nothing short of brilliant in his efforts all season. Despite not having the fastest car, he has secured eight wins and 13 podiums this year. His triumph can therefore be solely attributed to his awareness and skill.

YouTube video

Carlos Sainz has since claimed that Verstappen’s success is due to his ability to not commit unnecessary mistakes under pressure. The Spaniard feels that others have made mistakes where the Dutchman has come up trumps.

FS Video

Max has done an incredible job this year. In the first half, he dominated with a superior car, but in the second, with eight very close drivers, he demonstrated great skill by avoiding mistakes under pressure. This made him, for me, the driver of the year and allowed him to win the title.

Carlos Sainz said

Many debated that Verstappen’s previous title wins were because of the unparalleled dominance of Red Bull’s car. However, this season the 27-year-old proved all his naysayers wrong by showing his true skill and prowess.

RELATED
Max Verstappen credits ‘never give up’ mentality for making 2024 title special
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Carlos Sainz suggests a change in the format of the Las Vegas GP in the future

The Las Vegas GP made a return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2023 after a long absence. Carlos Sainz has now suggested a change in the format of the race in Vegas after securing a podium on Saturday.

Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz, image via IMAGO

Sainz has urged the FIA to shift the timings of the race to an earlier schedule in order to cater to the drivers and the fans. The Las Vegas GP was held at 23:00 hours local time, which posed problems due to the cold temperatures on the circuit.

I would bring the race forward by a few hours if I could. I think that would help everyone in the paddock, everyone who works here in this sport. I think that would put everyone in a healthier and better mood over the weekend.

Carlos Sainz said (via Motorsport-Total)
RELATED
Christian Horner pinpoints Max Verstappen’s tremendous behind-the-scenes efforts in 2024 title fight
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen

The 30-year-old, who is set to join Williams Racing in 2025, put in a stellar performance at the Las Vegas GP. As Formula 1 heads the two final races of the season, Sainz will do his best to help Ferrari secure the constructors’ championship.