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Verstappen sees tough challenge: 'Like this, I won't be the champion'
Max Verstappen had a more challenging way towards securing his title in the 2024 season than it was in 2023. The Dutch driver sees that competition is now very close to Red Bull, and underlines that without the team improving, he will not be able to defend his title next year.
Verstappen sees difficulties in earning a fifth title in a row
The season began in an ideal way for Verstappen, however, entering the second half of the year, mainly McLaren managed to have a faster car than Red Bull, with Ferrari and Mercedes also showing their strengths at certain tracks. In the end, the Austrian team could finish third in the constructors' championship, but Verstappen could carry home his lead in the drivers' standings.
For next season, the Dutchman is not convinced that he would be able to win a fifth title in a row. "If we continue like this, I won't be the champion next year. It's as simple as that," Verstappen told De Telegraaf. According to the Red Bull driver, his team need to serious steps to be competitive in 2025.
The Red Bull Racing driver is confident that Red Bull will be able to regain their form. "I am confident that the team can fix the balance problems of last season. And certain things we could not change last year will be changed for next year," Verstappen said. He added that should Red Bull still be defeated next year, it will be purely because of race pace.
This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden
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