Verstappen has found remarkable success on the back of that win, claiming three consecutive drivers’ championship victories beginning in 2021, and fighting for a fourth this season to match Vettel’s record at the team.
His first world title came at the end of an intense season-long battle with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, which saw the two go into the final race in Abu Dhabi tied on points.
READ MORE: Hamilton predicts ‘one hell of a second half’ to 2024 amid multi-team scrap for wins
“The first title together was very emotional after such a year, which was very very difficult and hard on everyone,” he said. “Those moments I will never forget. The general relationship I have with the team – it definitely just feels like a second family, you know? I can really be myself, which is also very important.
“It’s just great – there are so many people that have been there from the start, but also new people that came into the team, and it’s just fantastic to be able to work with all of them.”
The Red Bull driver currently leads this season’s standings ahead of Lando Norris, providing 277 points of the team’s 408 total as Sergio Perez continues to navigate a tough year.