Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has officially been crowned the 2024 Formula 1 world champion after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen knew that all he needed to do was finish ahead of McLaren driver Lando Norris to win a fourth consecutive title.
The Red Bull driver didn’t have the easiest start to the weekend, with the car looking relatively slow compared to the likes of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari.
However, when it came to the first session that mattered in qualifying, Verstappen showed why he’s considered one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Verstappen knew that he needed to finish ahead of Norris to seal the title and he started P5, one position ahead of the Brit.
The race went as smoothly as it could for the Dutchman, knowing that he only needed to worry about one other driver.
McLaren had arguably their worst race since they delivered a season-changing update in Miami, with Norris and Oscar Piastri both finishing behind the 27-year-old.
Lewis Hamilton had a much more exciting race after a brutal Q3 session, coming from 10th on the grid to finish runner-up to George Russell for a Mercedes one-two.
On the Sky Sports F1 broadcast, commentator David Croft spotted Hamilton congratulating his rival after the race.
Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen on winning the 2024 F1 world championship
Verstappen was given the unique opportunity to join the three drivers who finished on the podium on the unique drive from the grid to the podium in Las Vegas.
He was in a separate car alongside engineer Gianpiero Lambiase discussing how the race went, knowing that he didn’t have to take any risks fighting the Mercedes or Ferrari drivers.
READ MORE: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family
He joined the top three parking on the grid and when he greeted the trio, Croft said “There’s a smile and a sense of relief I think that the job has been done for the driver.
“Lewis Hamilton over to congratulate Max, as does George Russell, Lewis and George embracing as Mercedes teammates tonight.
“It won’t matter to Mercedes in the Constructors’ [Championship], they’re guaranteed fourth place.”
At his post-race press conference, Hamilton said: “Firstly, I’ve got to say a big congratulations to Max, winning the championship still with several races to go.”
Max Verstappen shows his class at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The race in Las Vegas highlighted why Verstappen is considered one of the all-time greats in Formula 1.
Red Bull haven’t had the fastest car for much of the campaign, as Verstappen’s 10-race winless run demonstrated.
However, in that time, he’s still delivered unbelievable results, maximising every opportunity possible.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Sergio Perez’s struggles have only emphasised what the Dutchman is capable of and while he squeezed into the points in Las Vegas, Verstappen comfortably finished ahead of both McLarens.
Martin Brundle has shared whether he thinks Verstappen is F1’s greatest-ever driver, and while he’s not matched Hamilton’s, Michael Schumacher’s or Alain Prost’s championship tallies yet, he’s quickly catching up.
Leave feedback about this