In a historic performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured his fourth straight Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats. Despite finishing fifth in the race, Verstappen did enough to beat out McLaren’s Lando Norris in the standings, clinching the title with two races to spare in the 2024 season.
A Dominant Start, a Mid-Season Slump, and a Resilient Finish
The 2024 season started as expected for Verstappen, with the Dutch driver dominating the early rounds by winning seven of the first ten Grands Prix. Red Bull appeared poised for another runaway season. However, the mid-season saw an unexpected dip in form, as Verstappen and his team endured a 10-race winless streak.
During this period, McLaren surged to prominence, with Lando Norris spearheading a title challenge. Wins were also shared among Ferrari and Mercedes, showcasing one of the most competitive F1 grids in recent history.
Verstappen’s championship hopes were revitalized in Brazil, where he delivered a masterclass at a wet São Paulo Grand Prix. Starting from 17th on the grid, Verstappen stormed through the field to claim victory, extending his lead to 62 points over Norris. That remarkable performance gave him a comfortable cushion heading into the Las Vegas showdown.
A Calculated Victory in Las Vegas
With the championship on the line in Vegas, Verstappen needed only to outperform Norris. He set himself up well with a fifth-place qualifying result, one spot ahead of his McLaren rival. While the race wasn’t a spectacle of dominance, Verstappen’s steady performance and Norris’s inability to capitalize sealed the title for the Red Bull driver.
“It feels great to get it done here in Vegas,” Verstappen said post-race. “Qualifying was important, but staying ahead today was the priority. The team did an amazing job this season, and I’m proud to keep this streak going.”
Joining the Legends of Formula 1
With this fourth consecutive championship, Verstappen joins an exclusive list of drivers who have achieved such a feat, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton. Additionally, his four titles place him in the company of Alain Prost as one of the sport’s most decorated champions.
What’s Next for Verstappen?
As Verstappen and Red Bull celebrate another milestone season, attention turns to the future. Can Verstappen sustain this level of dominance in the face of an increasingly competitive grid? McLaren’s resurgence and Ferrari’s continued growth signal tougher challenges ahead, but Verstappen’s resilience this season proves he remains the driver to beat.
For now, the 26-year-old Dutchman will relish his achievement, adding to a legacy that is still very much in the making.
