British media adamant Verstappen can't be considered an F1 legend
F1 News
Max Verstappen became a four-time World Champion after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite being dominant in 2022 and 2023, and impressive in 2024, the British media has often criticised Verstappen for, among other things, his driving style. After Las Vegas, the British media once again offered Verstappen some advice: he will only be considered an F1 legend if you leave Red Bull. This is how the British media reacted to his fourth World Championship title win.
His fourth world title puts Verstappen level with Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel. Prost won his world titles between 1985 and 1993, whereas Vettel won his four titles in a row between 2010 and 2013. In doing so, Verstappen now officially leaves three-time world champions Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna and his girlfriend's father, Nelson Piquet, behind.
With four world titles in a row, Verstappen also joins a unique list. Only four other drivers in F1 history have managed to do that. Hamilton did so most recently between 2017 and 2020, but Vettel (2010-2013) and Fangio (1954-1957) also achieved a run of four. Only Michael Schumacher ever managed a run of five titles in a row from 2000 to 2004.
The Telegraph
However, the British newspaper The Telegraph doesn't believe Verstappen can be considered a legend yet. Their headline reads: "Max Verstappen must leave Red Bull to become a Formula One legend." They added some explanation to the headline. "Team sponsored by an energy drink do not stir the same emotions as Ferrari and Mercedes. Does he dare forsake the carefully-curated Red Bull brand for some true F1 heritage? If he hopes to cement his legend for posterity, he needs to make the leap sooner rather than later."
Only five teams has won more Constructors' Championships than Red Bull. They are within touching distance of Lotus (6) and only two behind Mercedes and McLaren. The Austrian team only joined F1 in 2005, whereas McLaren has been at it since 1966.
Daily Mail
Meanwhile, other British papers praised Verstappen for his performances during the 2024 Formula 1 season. For example, the Daily Mail acknowledges that he has become a "pantomime villain" in the United Kingdom, but he's someone you cannot knock. "Verstappen is the opposite of an idiot. He is highly intelligent, and a strand of his advanced thought process is a clear-headedness that banishes all self-doubt in his professional life. Visor down or in moments of quiet between races, he does not confuse himself with recriminations or soul-searching," the Daily Mail wrote.
"He sees the fastest line at every turn. He may be cast as a pantomime villain in Britain for his controversial beating of Hamilton in Abu Dhabi in 2021, but there is no doubting his ability to get more out of his Red Bull than any other driver conceivably could. That was highlighted by his team-mate Sergio Perez finishing 10th."
BBC Sport
The British Broadcasting Corporation were also impressed by Verstappen. They believe he showed maturity during his drive in Las Vegas. "Verstappen's measured performance was aimed at securing the title at the first chance he had, and he did so with the calmness and aplomb with which he has driven for the vast majority of the year," stated the BBC.