Under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, Max Verstappen cemented his legacy as one of Formula One’s greats, securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ World Championship with a calculated fifth-place finish.
While Mercedes’ George Russell claimed victory on F1’s newest stage, Verstappen’s consistent brilliance throughout the 2024 season proved decisive in a year marked by fierce competition and evolving challenges.
This milestone places the Dutch driver among F1 legends, equaling the title tally of Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
Only Juan Manuel Fangio, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher have won more championships, underscoring Verstappen’s remarkable ascent in the sport.
Excitement and drama
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a glamorous addition to the F1 calendar, delivered excitement and drama.
Russell led a Mercedes one-two finish, with Lewis Hamilton in second and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. completing the podium in third.
But the night belonged to Verstappen, who needed only to outscore McLaren’s Lando Norris to clinch the championship.
Starting fifth, one spot ahead of Norris, Verstappen maintained his composure to finish in the same position, while Norris settled for sixth.
The result sealed Verstappen’s title with two races remaining in the season.
Reflecting on his achievement, Verstappen acknowledged the challenges of 2024.
Incredible feeling
“Winning here feels incredible, especially after such a tough year,” he said.
“We didn’t always have the fastest car, but the team stayed focused, kept improving, and made the most of every opportunity. This season has been a learning experience, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Unlike the dominance of 2023, this season demanded Verstappen dig deeper as Red Bull faced stiffer competition from McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
From the mid-season onwards, Red Bull rarely boasted the fastest car, but Verstappen’s consistency and ability to maximize results set him apart.
“After Miami, we weren’t the quickest anymore, but we stayed consistent, avoided mistakes, and kept scoring points,” Verstappen explained.
Tributes to champion
Rivals and team-mates paid tribute to his achievement.
Lando Norris, who mounted a strong title challenge, admitted Verstappen’s superiority.
“He has no weaknesses,” said Norris. “Even without the best car, he’s always there, making life difficult for everyone. He absolutely deserves this title.”
Race winner George Russell echoed the sentiment, saying: “Max has been outstanding all year. Even when his car wasn’t at its best, he delivered every weekend. That’s the mark of a true champion.”
Lewis Hamilton, no stranger to intense battles with Verstappen, added: “He hasn’t put a foot wrong all season. It’s been an incredible performance.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, lauded Verstappen’s resilience and determination.
“This has been Max’s most impressive season yet. Despite the increased competition, he’s shown why he’s in a league of his own,” he said.
Other notable performances
While Verstappen celebrated his triumph, other notable performances emerged on the grid.
Sergio Perez fought from 16th to finish 10th, securing a crucial point for Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda’s ninth-place finish delivered valuable points for Visa Cash App RB.
As the season nears its conclusion, the focus shifts to the final races, where teams and drivers will vie for crucial points.
Yet, the spotlight remains firmly on Verstappen, whose blend of talent, consistency, and determination has redefined excellence in Formula One.
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