Verstappen secures fourth championship at star-studded Las Vegas Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has clinched his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers’ title, edging out rival Lando Norris with two races to spare despite finishing fifth at the star-studded Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Dutchman roared across the finish line in fifth place, while Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton secured a one-two finish in windy conditions.
To keep his championship dreams alive, Norris needed to outscore Verstappen by three points, but the McLaren did not have the pace to challenge the Red Bull.
“Four times, thank you guys … it was a little bit more difficult than last year ...,” Verstappen said breathlessly over the radio.
The 27-year-old joins an exclusive list of drivers with four or more championships including Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
“It’s been a long season,” Verstappen said in the post-race interview. “We started off amazing and then we had a tough run ... I’m incredibly proud of everyone … to stand here as a four-time world champion, I never thought it was possible. I’m relieved in a way, and very proud.”
Verstappen’s talent took a back seat to the woes of his team midway through the season as Red Bull struggled to keep both McLaren and Ferrari at bay.
Despite clinching the trophy, Verstappen hinted at a competitive 2025, with the remainder of the grid catching up to Red Bull.
“Of course, if you look at next year right now, it will be a proper battle between a lot of cars. But I’m hungry ... I’m going to enjoy this, but there are still two more races that I want to do well ... we’ll take a little break and we try and go at it again next year.”
Verstappen started fifth on the street circuit with his McLaren rival next to him in sixth place.
The duo went side by side into turn one before Verstappen edged ahead to maintain his spot, while pole-sitter Russell cruised ahead to lead the pack.
Not even a plastic bag stuck under the body of his Mercedes could stop Russell, who comfortably won the grand prix – his third victory.
Mercedes driver George Russell won the Las Vegas Grand PrixCredit: AP
Norris failed to come close to Verstappen during the race, though he did secure the fastest lap. He finished in sixth place.
A gracious Norris congratulated Verstappen and said his rival “drove a better season”.
“I’ll start by saying congrats to Max, as much as it hurts,” Norris joked during a post-race interview with Sky Sports.
“I mean saying congrats to him doesn’t hurt ... but knowing the championship is 100 per cent over ... you always have a little hope inside, but he drove an incredible season. When he had the quickest car he dominated, when he didn’t, he was still there ... and always on my heels.”
Mechanical issues plagued the midfield in Sunday’s race. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly retired due to engine failure and Williams’ Alex Albon also failed to finish, with commentators suggesting debris many have been caught in his car.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri started eighth on the grid but copped a five-second penalty after a false start.
The Melburnian finished in seventh place, wounding McLaren’s standings in the constructor’s championship.
Qualifying was delayed earlier in the weekend after Williams rookie Franco Colapinto clipped the wall and slammed into the barrier, littering the track with shattered debris.
Max Verstappen has won a fourth straight drivers’ title.Credit: Getty Images
The Argentinian suffered an impact of 50G but was cleared to race after passing a medical evaluation, starting the grand prix from pit lane.
The glitz and glam of the Las Vegas Grand Prix attracted numerous Hollywood A-listers including model Winnie Harlow, actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Adele and chef Gordon Ramsay.
Actor Brad Pitt was also spotted on track earlier in the weekend, filming scenes for his upcoming motorsport film F1 – for which Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is serving as the executive producer.
Footage showed the actor stumbling away from a crash, clouded by smoke before collapsing on the ground.
Sylvester Stallone waves the chequered flag.Credit: Getty Images
While the drivers’ championship is over, the battle for the constructors’ championship is still wide open.
Red Bull are still third in the fight for the constructors’ title, on 555 points – trailing McLaren (608) and Ferrari (584).
There are only two rounds of the season left – Qatar from November 29 to December 1, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi from December 6 to 8.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.