Max Verstappen has cemented himself as one of Formula 1’s greatest champions, securing his fourth consecutive drivers’ title.
The Dutchman claimed fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday, AEDT, ahead of title rival Lando Norris, who was sixth.
Mercedes driver George Russell converted pole position into his second win of the season, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton who produced a stunning driver after starting 10th.
Verstappen now has an insurmountable 63-point lead with two race weekends left in the 2024 season.
Max Verstappen went into the Las Vegas Grand Prix needing a lead of 60 points or more over Lando Norris. (Reuters: Imagn Images/Gary A. Vasquez)
“It’s been a long season. We started off cruising, and we have to be proud of everyone,” he said.
“To stand here as a four-time world champion, I never thought it was possible. I’m relieved in a way, and very proud.
“It was a very challenging season, I had to be calm and in a way — I still prefer last season, but this season taught me a lot of lessons and I’m very proud how we handled it as a team.”
Verstappen started the race from fifth, one grid slot ahead of Norris, and kept the Briton behind him at the first corner.
Despite many believing the best strategy would be one pit stop, graining on the tyres meant two stops were needed.
Verstappen was as high as second at one point behind runaway leader Russell, but it was clear the Mercedes and Ferrari cars were quicker.
Verstappen was passed in the final stages by Hamilton, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc without much fight as he assured himself of a fourth championship.
Verstappen becomes just the fifth driver to win four consecutive drivers’ championships, along with Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Juan Manuel Fangio.
Alain Prost is the other driver who won the world championship on four occasions (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993).
Meanwhile, Russell was excellent from pole to claim his second win of the season.
Russell won in Austria after Verstappen and Norris crashed late, and was disqualified after claiming the chequered flag in Belgium.
“To get pole, a dominant weekend, a 1-2 with Lewis as well — I was just waiting for something to happen, the last two I’ve had on pole have been crazy races with rain, red flags. But I’m so, so happy right now,” Russell said.
