JUST IN: F1 Podcast: Verstappen's title assessed + Mercedes' pace explained...

Verstappen’s Fourth Title: F1 Podcast Analysis & Mercedes’ Las Vegas Surge

Max Verstappen’s incredible 2024 Formula 1 season concluded in Las Vegas with his fourth world championship title, capping a year full of challenges, rivalries, and surprises. The Race F1 Podcast brought together leading voices in motorsport analysis—Edd Straw, Ben Anderson, Scott Mitchell-Malm, and Mark Hughes—to discuss and assess Verstappen’s latest triumph. In addition to analyzing his title victory, the episode explored the unexpected resurgence of Mercedes at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the broader dynamics of the race weekend.

Verstappen’s Title Journey Compared to Previous Seasons

Max Verstappen’s fourth title adds to his growing legacy in the sport, and the podcast episode took a closer look at how this season stacked up against his previous championship campaigns. In 2023, Verstappen dominated the grid, winning an incredible 19 of the 23 races, which was considered one of the most dominant displays in Formula 1 history. However, the 2024 season was much more challenging for the Dutch driver and Red Bull, with an array of difficulties both on and off the track.

The hosts discussed how Verstappen’s ability to secure the title despite Red Bull’s decline in performance this season further underscored his incredible skill as a driver. His rivalry with Lando Norris of McLaren pushed him to perform at the highest level. While Norris gave Verstappen a serious challenge, the Red Bull star’s consistency and ability to win crucial races, like his brilliant victory in Brazil, ultimately set him apart and allowed him to clinch the title.

Mercedes’ Surprising Pace in Las Vegas

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was the unexpected return to form by Mercedes. The team, which had struggled throughout much of the 2024 season, suddenly found itself leading the pack. George Russell’s victory, followed by Lewis Hamilton’s second-place finish, was a dominant 1-2 result for the Silver Arrows, leaving many to wonder what exactly changed to bring such pace to the team.

The podcast dove into the specifics, with Mark Hughes explaining how a combination of car upgrades, tire management, and a favorable circuit layout all contributed to Mercedes’ strong performance in Las Vegas. The cooler track temperatures and the characteristics of the street circuit seemed to play into the strengths of the Mercedes car, allowing them to capitalize on the opportunity.

While Mercedes has been largely overshadowed by Red Bull and McLaren throughout the year, the Las Vegas result has revived questions about what the team can achieve in the final stages of the season. Edd Straw pointed out that, although this result does not necessarily indicate that Mercedes will dominate going forward, it provides valuable data and momentum heading into the 2025 season.

McLaren’s Underwhelming Weekend

In contrast to Mercedes’ success, McLaren had a relatively quiet weekend in Las Vegas. After pushing hard all season, particularly with Lando Norris as Verstappen’s closest rival, McLaren’s performance in this race didn’t meet expectations. Norris finished sixth, while Oscar Piastri came in seventh, marking a disappointing result for a team that has otherwise enjoyed a competitive season.

The hosts discussed how McLaren, despite its advances throughout 2024, seemed to struggle with the track conditions in Las Vegas. Ben Anderson noted that McLaren’s issues with tire degradation and balance problems were apparent throughout the weekend, and the team was unable to find the necessary pace to challenge the top two teams.

Midfield Battles & Listener Questions

Beyond the drama at the front, the Las Vegas Grand Prix featured some intense battles in the midfield, with teams like Ferrari and Aston Martin fighting for valuable points. Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth, was visibly frustrated with his inability to break into the podium positions, leading to speculation about Ferrari’s development trajectory.

The podcast also included listener questions from The Race Members’ Club on Patreon, with discussions about the future of the Red Bull-Mercedes rivalry, what upgrades could be expected next season, and whether Ferrari could challenge for titles in 2025.

How to Listen and Get Involved

The Race F1 Podcast is available for free across popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, offering fans expert insights into the sport’s hottest topics. For those wanting more exclusive content and the chance to ask questions directly to the hosts, The Race Members’ Club on Patreon provides deeper engagement.

Verstappen’s fourth title, Mercedes’ surprise victory in Las Vegas, and the evolving dynamics in Formula 1 make this episode a must-listen for motorsport fans as the 2024 season nears its conclusion.