Las Vegas Grand Prix | Max Verstappen crowned world champion for the fourth time

(Las Vegas) When journalists asked him how he was going to celebrate his fourth consecutive world champion title, Max Verstappen looked at his alcohol consumption.

“Well, I’m out of beer, so I don’t know,” he said. Maybe another one, maybe I’ll move on. I don’t have to drive anymore, so we’re not going to drink and drive. I don’t need to do this. »

In fact, Verstappen can do whatever he wants after finishing fifth in Saturday’s Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix to secure first place in the drivers’ standings ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris by two races. to be played between now and the end of the season.

The Red Bull driver is now the king of Las Vegas, a year after being extremely negative upon his arrival in the city of vice by criticizing the extravagance of the race. However, he changed his tone after his victory last November, singing Long live Las Vegas when he crossed the finish line.

This year, his performance on the streets of Las Vegas allowed him to become only the sixth Formula 1 driver to be crowned champion for a fourth time. He simply had to finish ahead of Norris. He concluded the race with a 63-point lead over his rival.

His father Jos was an F1 driver, at one time being the teammate of Michael Schumacher. But despite growing up surrounded by some of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, he never expected to be so successful himself.

“When you grow up competing against legendary drivers, it’s very impressive to just be on the podium, at any time,” he said. Maybe win a championship? It’s hard enough to win one, and then of course you also need a bit of luck to be on the right team that will help you win.

“Luckily, we did it. »

While Verstappen celebrated his title, George Russell won the race, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton. It was a first double for Mercedes since 2022. Hamilton started in 10^e position.

Carlos Sainz Jr took the third step of the podium, finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc. The two drivers thus tightened the race for the constructors’ title, allowing Ferrari to approach to within 24 points of McLaren.

Red Bull, who have won the title for the last two years, are currently third.

Norris and Oscar Piastri placed sixth and seventh.

“Max deserves it,” Norris said of the title. He was better than me this season and he deserves it more than anyone. Max simply has no weaknesses. When he’s in the best car, he dominates, and when he doesn’t have the best car, he’s still in the game. »

Quebecer Lance Stroll finished the race in 15^e position. His teammate at Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso, appears at 11^e rank in the final ranking.

Consult the final classification of the race

View the driver standings rankings