Max Verstappen is now one of a select group of drivers in F1 history to become a four-time world champion, having sealed the title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. In light of the Dutchman’s achievement, we’ve taken a look at the famous names he joins on the all-time list – as well as the three who still remain ahead of him…
READ MORE: Verstappen crowned champion as Russell heads Mercedes 1-2 in Las Vegas
Four-time F1 world champions
Alain Prost (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
After claiming his debut victory on home turf at the 1981 French Grand Prix, Alain Prost didn’t look back. The driver who later became known as ‘The Professor’ scored further wins in the years that followed, but it was not until 1985 that he experienced championship glory with McLaren, making him the first French world champion.
Prost repeated the feat in 1986 to claim back-to-back titles – before his next arrived during a period famed for an intense rivalry with team mate Ayrton Senna. The pair were a dominant force in 1988, with McLaren winning all but one race – but it was Senna who claimed his debut championship.
WATCH: How Prost returned from the sidelines to make a title-winning comeback
Tensions escalated in 1989, culminating in a controversial collision at the Suzuka season finale which ultimately saw Prost take the drivers’ crown. Following a move to Ferrari in 1990, history repeated itself when the pair were again involved in a contentious clash at the same venue, with Senna claiming the championship on that occasion.
Relations between Prost and the Scuderia soured in 1991, resulting in the Frenchman making an early exit before the season was over. After a sabbatical in 1992, Prost returned to the grid with Williams in 1993 and earned his fourth and final title before retiring from the sport at the end of the campaign.
Belgium
