Verstappen Surprised by Fan Support U-Turn During Title Fight

Max Verstappen has admitted his surprise at the significant shift in fan support during his 2024 championship battle. After being viewed as an underdog for much of the season, trailing Lando Norris by a massive 104-point deficit at one stage, the Dutchman noticed a tangible change in public sentiment compared to his years of dominant success. Verstappen suggested the newfound backing might stem from fans finally seeing his true character beyond his relentless on-track persona.

Why it matters:

The changing fan dynamic highlights a crucial aspect of F1: the power of narrative. Verstappen's journey from a dominant, sometimes polarizing champion to a relatable underdog transformed public perception, proving that fans gravitate towards compelling competition over predictable success. This shift also offers a rare glimpse into the three-time world champion's perspective on his own public image and the impact of his winning on how he is viewed by the paddock and supporters alike.

The details:

• The Underdog Effect: Verstappen directly linked the support to his status as the chaser, telling the Talking Bulls podcast, "Surprising... with an underdog role, people will start to support you a bit more. But I guess maybe they finally start to realise who I am, who I really am."
• A Remarkable Comeback: The shift in fan sentiment became most apparent as Verstappen mounted a serious title charge. He was 104 points behind Norris after the Dutch Grand Prix but ultimately fell just two points short of a fifth consecutive title.
• Unchanged Character: The Dutchman firmly denied that he has undergone a personality shift, insisting, "I don't try to be a fake person in the paddock or whatever. That's just not how I am."
• Staying Grounded: Verstappen credited his close inner circle for keeping him authentic, emphasizing the importance of having people around him who "actually do tell you if you're maybe acting a bit out or weird." He added that he is "very lucky that I have great family, but also really good friends."

Looking Ahead:

This season's events have undeniably added a new chapter to Verstappen's public narrative. As F1 heads into the 2025 season, it will be fascinating to see if this renewed fan goodwill persists, especially if he and Red Bull return to their winning ways. The 2024 campaign may have cost him the title by the narrowest of margins, but it appears to have won him a different kind of victory in the court of public opinion, potentially reshaping his legacy for years to come.