Max Verstappen has secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship while driving for Red Bull Racing, finishing fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. His main rival, Lando Norris, ended the race in sixth, ensuring Verstappen’s title was safe with only two races remaining. This achievement places him alongside legends like Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost, solidifying his status in the sport. Verstappen’s tactical driving throughout the season, particularly his comeback at the Brazilian Grand Prix, was crucial to his success.
Max Verstappen Secures Fourth Consecutive Formula 1 Championship
Max Verstappen has clinched the Formula 1 World Championship for the fourth consecutive time, representing Red Bull Racing. The talented Dutch driver, who finished fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has left his closest rival, Lando Norris from McLaren, unable to catch up in the remaining races of the season.
With a mixture of relief and joy, Verstappen shook his head as the massive screen at the Sphere in Las Vegas displayed his achievement as both the reigning and new world champion. He reflected on what may have been one of the most challenging seasons of his racing career, exclaiming over the radio, “Oh my God, what a season! When we think about this year and everything we’ve been through – thank you, guys!”
A Tactical Victory and Historic Milestone
To secure his fourth title, Verstappen only needed to finish fifth, a comfortable distance behind double winners George Russell and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes. Meanwhile, his rival Norris, who needed a strong performance in Las Vegas, ended the race in sixth place. With only two races left in Qatar on December 1 and Abu Dhabi on December 8, the championship outcome is already clear. Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, praised Verstappen’s performance, stating, “That was a tactical masterpiece; he brought the car home in great style.”
With this victory, Verstappen now stands alongside Sebastian Vettel, who also won four consecutive titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013. Alain Prost is another notable four-time world champion. Only Juan Manuel Fangio (5) and the legendary Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (7) have more championships than Verstappen. In the race, Carlos Sainz from Ferrari finished third, while Nico Hülkenberg secured eighth place, earning valuable points.
The turning point of the championship was established earlier in November during the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Verstappen’s remarkable recovery from 17th on the grid to victory contrasted sharply with Norris’s drop from pole position to sixth. This shift in momentum effectively sealed the championship for Verstappen.
As both drivers approached the Las Vegas race, they did so with a more relaxed mindset. Verstappen had a substantial lead, making it difficult for Norris to pose a significant threat. Norris himself admitted, “Of course, we need to finish ahead of Max, but that’s not our main goal. We just want to score as many points as possible.”
Despite uncertainties regarding car performance in varying conditions, both drivers managed to navigate the initial laps cautiously. The cold asphalt presented challenges for tire performance, leading to a slow start for both. However, after several laps, the true pace of the cars became evident, with Red Bull demonstrating its strength, being the second fastest behind Mercedes.
Throughout the race, Verstappen faced some challenges, allowing Hamilton and the Ferraris to overtake him. Nevertheless, he remained unfazed, ultimately finishing strong as the old and new world champion. His resilience and strategic driving have once again solidified his position at the pinnacle of Formula 1 racing.