Max Verstappen began the 2024 Formula 1 season much like he ended 2023: at the top of his game. With Red Bull’s Adrian Newey-designed RB20 car setting new benchmarks in aerodynamic efficiency and power, Verstappen cruised to victory in nearly every race from the season opener through to the Spanish Grand Prix. It seemed almost inevitable that he would claim a fourth consecutive World Championship. Early Season: Unstoppable Force By the time Formula 1 arrived in Spain, Verstappen had amassed an astounding 303 points over 16 races, leading his closest competitors by a wide margin.