George Russell and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes secured the top two positions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Russell finishing first and Hamilton in second. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive World Championship title after finishing fifth in the race, solidifying his lead over his closest competitor, Lando Norris of McLaren, by an insurmountable 63 points with just two races left in the season.
After the race, Verstappen reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the season, noting, “It’s been a long season… I’m incredibly proud of everyone.” He acknowledged the ups and downs faced throughout the year but expressed a deep sense of pride in his team’s resilience and determination. Verstappen joins an elite group of drivers, including legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton, having secured four championships, with his victories coming consecutively—a feat rare among the elite.
This season began strongly for Verstappen, who won seven of the first ten races. However, a midseason lull for Red Bull coincided with a surge in form from McLaren, which included five victories for Norris. A pivotal moment in Verstappen’s campaign came at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he showcased a remarkable comeback by winning from 17th place on a rainy track, enabling him to secure the championship in Las Vegas.
Looking ahead to 2025, Verstappen aims to emulate Michael Schumacher by striving for a fifth consecutive title, further solidifying his place in the annals of Formula 1 history.
This victory serves as a testament to the competitive spirit of Formula 1, showcasing not only the prowess of Verstappen but also the determination of teams like Mercedes and McLaren, ensuring that fans can look forward to an exciting season finale. As Verstappen reflects on the season’s lessons, there remains a sense of excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead in the championship chase.