Max Verstappen Clinches Fourth Consecutive F1 World Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing fifth and joining an elite group of four-time champions including Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
The race was won by Mercedes’ George Russell, who held off a remarkable charge from his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished second after starting from 10th on the grid. Verstappen’s fifth-place finish was sufficient to mathematically secure the title, as his rival Lando Norris could only manage sixth place for McLaren.
With a 63-point lead and only 60 points remaining in the championship, Verstappen’s title was effectively sealed. Reflecting on his achievement, Verstappen said, “To stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought possible,” expressing both relief and pride.
The race unfolded with Russell controlling the event from the start, fending off early challenges from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Hamilton delivered an exceptional performance, starting from 10th and strategically managing his tires to climb through the field.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished third and fourth, respectively, which helped reduce their deficit to McLaren in the constructors’ championship to 24 points with two races remaining. Norris secured an additional point by taking the fastest lap in the closing stages.
Verstappen’s championship-winning drive was characterized by a measured and calm approach, focusing on securing the title rather than aggressive racing. His performance highlighted the consistency and dominance that has defined his season.
The Mercedes team’s unexpected one-two finish was particularly noteworthy. Russell maintained control throughout the race, while Hamilton’s strategic tire management and late-race pace allowed him to climb from 10th to second.
In the final laps, the Ferrari drivers passed Verstappen, but this did not diminish the significance of his championship achievement. Behind Norris and Leclerc, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished seventh, with Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, RB’s Yuki Tsunoda, and Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez completing the top 10.
With this victory, Verstappen now stands alongside racing legends in the record books. He joins Prost and Vettel with four championships, trailing only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher (seven titles each) and Juan Manuel Fangio (five titles).
Verstappen’s achievement underscores his remarkable consistency and skill throughout the season, overcoming challenges and maintaining his performance at the highest level of motorsport.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix not only crowned a new champion but also showcased the competitive spirit and strategic depth of modern Formula 1 racing.
