Max Verstappen refuses to consider 2024 season as similar to historic 2021 battle against Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen made it clear that his 2021 campaign was different from this year's title charge as Red Bull struggle against McLaren,


Max Verstappen refuses to consider 2024 season as similar to historic 2021 battle against Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

After a disappointing Dutch GP, Max Verstappen returned to Monza with renewed confidence in his performance. Having dominated the past two seasons, Verstappen now faces challenges like those of his controversial 2021 championship win over Lewis Hamilton. However, the Dutchman firmly believes that the 2024 season is different from 2021.

Max Verstappen explained that this season is different from 2021 because, back then, his performance was inconsistent. He often finished either in first or second place, with a lot of ups and downs throughout the year. This season started off very strong for him and his team, with several dominant wins. However, as the season progressed, it has become harder to win races, indicating how competitive the races have become.

Compared to then, it's a bit different because in '21 I felt it was very up and down, victory and second place, victory and second place. This season it's a bit different, we had a very dominant start and now it seems to be changing and it's much more difficult to win races.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by Formula1a.uno
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Max Verstappen mentioned that despite recent challenges, Red Bull still has a significant advantage over rivals. However, he emphasized that they need to focus on winning at least one more race this season. He viewed this as an important goal to maintain their lead and continue their success. With McLaren only 30 points behind, Verstappen admitted that finishing second in every race could affect their championship lead.

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Obviously we still have a big advantage, but yes, we have to try to win at least one more race . That's definitely the goal.
Max Verstappen added.

Max Verstappen admits Red Bull ‘not the favorites’ for Italian GP

Max Verstappen mentioned that, given the current situation, he doesn’t believe they are the favorites to win. He explained that there are many uncertainties they have to deal with, like the new asphalt on the track. The Dutchman also acknowledged that the weather is still very hot, which could impact their performance and make things more unpredictable.

Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner (via IMAGO)
In the state we are in at the moment, I think we are definitely not the favorites. I think there are a lot of unknowns here with the new asphalt, the grip in general and it’s still very hot.
Max Verstappen stated.

Certainly, weather will significantly impact Red Bull’s performance in Italy. Considering all the factors, predicting their performance in Sunday’s race is challenging. Fans hope Max Verstappen can achieve at least second place to prevent Red Bull from falling to second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

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