Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula One World Drivers’ Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, solidifying his place among the sport’s legends. The Dutch driver needed only to finish ahead of his closest rival, Lando Norris, to clinch the title. Starting in fifth, Verstappen maintained control throughout the race, finishing in P5, while Norris came in sixth. This result made Verstappen’s championship lead unassailable with two races remaining in the season.
The achievement places Verstappen alongside iconic drivers like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel as one of only six drivers in F1 history to win at least four titles. Reflecting on the season, Verstappen acknowledged its challenges compared to previous years but expressed pride in his team’s resilience and adaptability.
The 2024 season began with Verstappen dominating early rounds, winning seven of the first ten races. However, Red Bull’s performance waned mid-season as teams like McLaren closed the gap. Despite winning only one of the next twelve races, Verstappen’s consistent point-scoring ensured he maintained a comfortable lead over Norris.
Meanwhile, George Russell delivered a stellar performance in Las Vegas, claiming his third career victory and second of the season for Mercedes. Starting from pole position, Russell controlled the race after fending off an early challenge from Charles Leclerc. He finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, celebrating his win under the lights of Sin City.
Lando Norris congratulated Verstappen on his achievement but expressed disappointment at falling short in his championship bid. He praised Verstappen’s ability to excel regardless of car performance, calling him a formidable competitor.
Verstappen’s latest triumph further cements his legacy as one of Formula One’s all-time greats.