NOV 25 (V7N)- Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula One World Drivers’ Championship at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, where George Russell clinched a dominant victory for Mercedes. Despite finishing fifth in the race, Verstappen’s performance ensured his points lead over Lando Norris became unassailable with two races remaining in the season.

Verstappen’s championship campaign started strong, winning seven of the first ten races in 2024. However, the latter half of the season saw challenges as Red Bull struggled to maintain its dominant pace. Verstappen managed only one win in the next 12 races but consistently gathered points to fend off McLaren’s resurgent Norris.

“It’s been a long season. We started off amazing, almost cruising, but then faced a tough run,” Verstappen said after the race. “As a team, we kept it together, worked on improvements, and made it happen. I’m incredibly proud of everyone.”

The Dutchman joins an elite group of F1 legends, including Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel, as the only drivers with at least four titles.

Lando Norris, who pushed Verstappen throughout the season, finished sixth in Las Vegas, conceding the title despite his valiant efforts. “I was planning to fly in a couple of hours, but I’m definitely not getting on that flight!” Norris joked, acknowledging the end of his championship challenge.

Mercedes capitalized on Red Bull’s struggles with a one-two finish. George Russell, starting from pole, controlled the race for a decisive win, with Lewis Hamilton surging from 10th on the grid to claim second place. The result marked Hamilton’s record 202nd career podium and a historic 36th different track where he has achieved a podium finish.

“It’s been a dream of a weekend,” said Russell. “To get the victory here, pole position, a one-two with Lewis... we couldn’t have chosen a better place for this.”

Ferrari also made headlines, with Carlos Sainz finishing third and Charles Leclerc fourth after an intense battle with Verstappen and each other. The results tightened the Constructors’ Championship standings, with Ferrari closing to within 24 points of McLaren and Red Bull trailing by 53 points.

As the F1 season heads into its final two races in Qatar and the UAE, there is still much at stake in the Constructors’ Championship. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s achievement cements his place among the sport’s greats in what has been another unforgettable season.

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