Max Verstappen had been leading the world championship since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022.

I don’t expect miracles, but I think it’s OK,” said Verstappen when asked about the RB21’s race pace after qualifying. “Not on the same level [as Norris and Piastri], but I’ll just do my best and see what happens tomorrow.

Formula One driver Max Verstappen was ranked both the highest-paid F1 driver in 2024, and one of the world's highest-paid athletes.