Ex-F1 champion claims Max Verstappen has given up on winning another race this year

Former F1 champion Jenson Button has opined that Max Verstappen has given up on winning another race this season.

Ex-F1 champion claims Max Verstappen has given up on winning another race this year

Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

The 2024 Formula 1 season resumes this weekend with the USA Grand Prix in Austin, with teams and drivers buzzing with anticipation. Red Bull and Max Verstappen are gearing up to fend off strong competition from McLaren and Lando Norris as they look to reclaim the top spot in the Constructors’ Championship.

However, former F1 champion Jenson Button has raised some concerns. He suggested Max Verstappen‘s ongoing car struggles could hinder his chances of winning any more races this season. He compared Verstappen’s current struggles to his own title win in 2009.

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Button started the 2009 season strong with Brawn GP but soon felt the pressure from Sebastian Vettel as his team’s performance dipped. Similarly, Verstappen began this season with a significant advantage from the 2023 car setup which won him almost every race.

However, as the races unfolded, he faced challenges with his car’s balance, impacting his performance. This shift allowed McLaren’s Norris to shine, ultimately overtaking the Dutchman and taking the lead in the Constructors’ Championship from Red Bull.

I’ve been on the Max side of it, where the car isn’t performing as it was earlier in the season. You’re having someone chase you down, and it’s tough. You know, Max is a tough cookie. He really is, in terms of I don’t think the pressures really get to him like most drivers, but this is a tricky situation. He’s already got into his head, from what I hear, that he’s not going to win another race this year.

Jenson Button told Sky F1 Podcast

Verstappen hasn’t won a race since the Spanish Grand Prix. Even when he finished second behind Norris in both the Dutch and Singapore Grands Prix, he trailed by a significant 20 seconds. Button characterized Verstappen as a tough competitor who typically excels under pressure. However, Button pointed out that the Dutchman is currently in a challenging spot,

Jenson button asserts F1 in such a ‘good place’ after fierce competition

The competition in Formula 1 has intensified, with every team now winning races. Red Bull initially had the fastest car in the early season, but McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes significantly improved their vehicles, leading to more victories and points. This shift has made the sport more exciting for fans, as teams work hard to outdo each other.

Jenson Button and Max Verstappen
Jenson Button and Max Verstappen (via: IMAGO, X/433_marc, screenshot)

Currently, four teams are in a fierce battle for the title, with McLaren appearing to be the frontrunner. They boast two fast cars and drivers likely to secure podium finishes. Jenson Button believes the sport is in a great position, with more teams fighting for victories than he expected this year. He expresses his excitement over the thrilling competition among four teams challenging for the title.

F1 as a whole is in such a good place right now that we have so many teams fighting for victories. I didn’t expect it this year, but I’m pleased to say that it’s great to see four teams fighting for wins.

Jenson Button emphasized.

With only six races left in the 2024 season, the battle for the ultimate champion is heating up. Max Verstappen still leads the Drivers’ Standings by 52 points, meaning he needs to finish at least second in every race remaining to maintain his lead.

The upcoming race in Austin will be crucial for assessing the progress Red Bull has made on their car during the autumn break. Fans eagerly await to see if Verstappen can secure his title amid this intense competition.