Max Verstappen had to push himself to the limit to win the 2024 Drivers’ title. The Red Bull driver faced a real threat from McLaren’s Lando Norris . So much so, that former F1 champion Nico Rosberg insisted that Verstappen feared his arch-rival.

The reigning world champion won seven out of the first ten races. However, things took a turn mid-season when Max Verstappen failed to win a race for four months. Rosberg claimed that Verstappen was indeed scared of losing the title to Norris when the championship seemed to have been wide open.

Even the world championship was really wide open at one point, Verstappen was really scared that he was actually going to lose it.

Nico Rosberg told Sky F1

The 2016 F1 champion pointed out that since the Emilia Romagna GP, Verstappen and Red Bull lost the pace advantage. This put Lando Norris and McLaren in the perfect spot to capitalize on the British team. Nevertheless, Max Verstappen managed to turn things around and win the title.

Since Imola, he didn’t have the fastest car anymore and Lando was flying. McLaren and Lando were just faster and stronger.

Nico Rosberg statedNico Rosberg credits Max Verstappen’s ‘miraculous’ title triumph

The German was impressed by the Red Bull driver’s recovery in the latter half of the season. Rosberg reckoned that it was miraculous to see Max Verstappen defend the championship despite having a slower car. Nico Rosberg further mentioned that Verstappen even rounded up the title with a couple of races to spare.

So it’s quite miraculous and really a testament to Verstappen’s brilliance that he really managed to carry this championship home and close it off so early.

Nico Rosberg added

Certainly, Verstappen proved himself worthy of being an all-time F1 great this season. The Dutch driver did not crack under pressure and won the title despite Norris’ impressive run. It remains to be seen if the Red Bull driver can continue this success next year.