How ‘ultimate driver’ Verstappen is ‘improving every year’ – 2024 Las Vegas GP Review with Max’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase
Nov 25, 2024
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F1 correspondent and presenter Lawrence Barretto joins to analyze Max Verstappen's emotional journey to a fourth World Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The conversation delves into how Verstappen stacks up against sporting legends and what lies ahead for him and rival Lando Norris. Barretto also discusses George Russell’s standout victory as a potential 'statement' to Mercedes’ leadership, alongside insights into Ferrari's challenges under new leadership. The dynamics of teamwork and resilience shine through in this thrilling recap.
Max Verstappen's fourth World Championship highlights his growth and maturity as he navigates competitive pressures from rival teams like McLaren and Ferrari.
George Russell's victory in Las Vegas showcases his potential to lead Mercedes, reflecting a positive shift in the team's performance trajectory.
Ferrari's challenges in strategic execution underline the need for improved communication and teamwork as they aim to reclaim their competitive edge.
Deep dives
The Significance of Quality Clothing
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Max Verstappen's Championship Journey
Max Verstappen clinched his fourth World Championship, becoming part of an elite group of drivers in Formula One history. This season has been particularly challenging, with competitive pressures from teams like McLaren and Ferrari, highlighting the complexities of maintaining top performance. Verstappen's resilience and ability to deliver consistent results, even from lower grid positions, were pivotal in securing the championship ahead of his competitors. His experience and maturity have grown through the trials of previous seasons, allowing him to handle the pressures of the championship battle effectively.
George Russell's Impressive Victory
George Russell's win in Las Vegas marked a significant achievement for both him and the Mercedes team, showcasing his potential to lead. Through a combination of strategic racing and tire management, Russell secured a commanding lead early in the race and maintained it through to victory. His performance not only reinforced his position within the team but also served as a confidence booster ahead of future challenges. This win emphasizes the strength of the Mercedes team and hints at a promising shift in their performance trajectory.
Challenges Facing Ferrari
Ferrari faced strategic setbacks during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, revealing vulnerabilities that had previously been addressed in their performance. While Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc secured third and fourth places respectively, inconsistencies in communication and pit stop strategies hampered their potential for a strong showing. The team has displayed growth under new leadership, but the pressure to perform in recent races has tested their newfound strategies. Moving forward, recalibrating their approach and solidifying teamwork will be crucial for reclaiming their competitive edge.
The Battle for Midfield Supremacy
The competition for P6 in the Constructors' Championship has intensified, with teams like Haas, Alpine, and V-Cup vying for crucial points. Haas recently took the lead in this battle after a solid performance, highlighting the fluctuating fortunes of these teams in the midfield. The excitement of direct on-track battles has re-emerged, making this competition particularly engaging for fans of the sport. With the season drawing to a close, the drivers and teams are keen to solidify their standings in what has become a closely fought contest.
This episode is brought to you by T-Mobile, official 5G partner of F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Tom Clarkson is joined in the paddock by F1 correspondent and presenter Lawrence Barretto to celebrate Max Verstappen becoming a four-time World Champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Was this Verstappen’s best title? How does he compare to other sporting greats? And what can he still go on to achieve in Formula 1? His race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase tells the guys why this championship was more ‘emotional’ than he expected, while Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner explains how Max has made the difference this season.
Tom and Lawrence also discuss what Lando Norris will have learnt from his title fight with Verstappen and what we can expect from their battles in 2025.
Plus, was George Russell’s phenomenal victory in Vegas a ‘statement’ to Toto Wolff? And were Ferrari’s mistakes a first real ‘test’ of Fred Vasseur’s new culture at the team?
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