Max Verstappen became just the fifth driver in Formula 1 history to claim four consecutive drivers’ world championships this weekend.
The Dutchman didn’t make the Las Vegas Grand Prix podium, but that didn’t mean much to him, as he achieved something even bigger.
Facing adversity, Verstappen fought with a lacklustre Red Bull car at stages to maintain his championship lead, and in the end, it wasn’t even close.
Lando Norris has experience in this situation and will be an even bigger threat in the future, while Lewis Hamilton joins forces with Ferrari for 2025, so this may just be the final stages of his historic run.
Christian Horner says Max Verstappen ‘in a class of his own’ in 2024
Without Verstappen, Red Bull would be nowhere near as high in the constructors’ standings as they are – just look at Sergio Perez’s struggles.
It hasn’t been smooth at all, but that’s exactly what makes a true winner and a great champion, leading his team to success.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater after guaranteeing the silverware, Christian Horner was very complimentary of his driver.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Max Verstappen after winning the 2024 Formula 1 championship
“He’s been in a class of his own this year. He’s been absolutely outstanding. He’s won eight Grands Prix, more than double anyone else on the grid. He had an incredible start.
“We had a tough summer but he never lost his focus. He kept overdelivering, kept getting the results and performances. He deserves this fourth world championship.
“It puts him among the elite of the sport. I can’t credit him enough for the way he’s handled himself this year, the way he’s worked with the engineer and team. He’s been outstanding.”
Can Verstappen win five consecutive titles in 2025?
It’s hard to judge on current form, who will possess the fastest car at the start of next season, and things can dramatically change over the winter.
But those carrying momentum and form will be in a good position to hit the ground running, and the feel-good factor for Verstappen may be all that he needs to start dominating again.
It was a breath of fresh air to see McLaren winning again consistently this season, but there’s no guarantee that they can replicate that again.
READ MORE: Martin Brundle gives his verdict on whether Max Verstappen is F1’s greatest-ever driver after winning 2024 title
In fact, this year marks the first season in Formula 1 history that seven or more drivers have won multiple races.
That puts into perspective just how wide open things are poised to be, in the final year before the sport’s technical regulations change again/
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