Verstappen bracing for more ‘proper battles’ in second half of 2024

©RedBull

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Max Verstappen says he’s bracing himself for a challenging second half of the 2024 Formula 1 season, acknowledging the uncertainty of “what is going to happen” as Red Bull’s rivals sharpen their knives.

After two years of unwavering dominance by the Red Bull-Verstappen combo following the inception of F1’s ground-effect era, the pair has seen a significant increase in competition.

Unlike the two previous seasons, this year’s 2024 campaign has been marked by victories from a diverse set of teams and drivers.

Four different outfits—Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes—have each claimed wins, with six different drivers standing atop the podium.

Verstappen himself, along with Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton, have all tasted victory, highlighting the increasingly competitive landscape.

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Despite holding a relatively comfortable lead in the championship thanks to his consistency and winning streak in the early part of the season, Verstappen is keenly aware of the challenge posed by his opponents.

However, speaking at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed where Red Bull Racing celebrated its 20th anniversary, the Dutchman expressed his enthusiasm for the competitive environment.

©RedBull

“For sure,” he said when asked if he is enjoying the tight battles at the front of the field.

“We had some great years. Of course, this year also started off really competitively, and now everyone’s catching up a bit. Every race is a proper battle as well, so it’s great.

“I think that [theme] will continue also for the rest of the season, so it’s really unknown what is going to happen, and that’s great for the sport.”

Verstappen acknowledged the positive impact of a more competitive field on the overall appeal of Formula 1.

“I mean, in general, it’s just great to have so many fantastic drivers in F1 and making it difficult to win,” the 26-year-old added.

“I think everyone was waiting for that as well and that’s definitely what F1 fans want. To have this is great between so many different teams as well. It’s going to be a great rest of the year.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.