Villeneuve: Verstappen's Late Title Fight Was a 'Christmas' Gift

Jacques Villeneuve believes Max Verstappen's late-season title charge was an unexpected "Christmas" gift, transforming a season of frustration into a thrilling hunt. The 1997 champion praised Verstappen's relentless spirit, comparing him to all-time greats, despite the Dutchman falling just two points short of the championship.

Why it matters:

Villeneuve's perspective, coming from a former champion, reframes Verstappen's narrow title loss. It highlights the psychological shift from a season of perceived struggle to one of unexpected opportunity, underscoring the sheer competitiveness and resilience that defined Verstappen's 2024 campaign.

The details:

• The "Christmas" Gift: Villeneuve noted that midway through the season, Verstappen "didn’t think that he was even in the fight," making his late surge to the front a "bonus."
• Mexico VSC Frustration: He pinpointed the Virtual Safety Car in Mexico as a critical, costly moment that denied Verstappen a chance to overtake Charles Leclerc for second place, a result that could have swung the title.
• Praise for a "Pure Racer": Villeneuve placed Verstappen among the sport's legends like Senna and Prost, calling him "relentless" and a "pure racer" who embodies the spirit of a champion.

The big picture:

The comments encapsulate the dramatic narrative of the 2024 season, where McLaren's early dominance was ultimately challenged by Red Bull's late development and Verstappen's indomitable will. While the title was lost, the fight cemented Verstappen's reputation as a driver who can never be counted out, adding another compelling chapter to his already storied career.