After 22 Grand Prix and countless battles, Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen clinched a fourth consecutive Formula 1 world championship.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a fitting venue for Max Verstappen to come home in P5 and secure the title ahead of McLaren driver Lando Norris.
The young Brit simply didn’t have the car on the cold and windy street circuit to push his rival and take the championship fight to Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen wasn’t as dominant as he was at the previous race in Sao Paulo when he proved why he’s considered one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Starting and finishing the race in 5th was all Verstappen needed to do in the end, with Norris coming home directly behind him even if he was 26 seconds further back after pitting one last time to secure the fastest lap of the race.
Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Verstappen, while Jenson Button was very impressed with Verstappen’s performances throughout the season.
All eyes now turn to the battle in the Constructors’ Championship, with Ferrari closing the gap to McLaren.
| Position | Constructors’ Standings | Points |
| 1 |
McLaren Racing |
593 |
| 2 |
Scuderia Ferrari |
557 |
| 3 |
Red Bull Racing |
544 |
| 4 |
Mercedes-AMG Petronas |
382 |
| 5 |
Aston Martin F1 Team |
86 |
| 6 |
Alpine F1 Team |
49 |
| 7 |
Haas F1 Team |
46 |
| 8 |
Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team |
44 |
| 9 |
Williams F1 Team |
17 |
| 10 |
Sauber F1 Team |
0 |
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished ahead of Norris and Piastri meaning Zak Brown’s team only have a 24-point lead with two races remaining.
While that will be Brown’s priority going forward, he was quick to pay tribute to Verstappen when he spotted him in the Las Vegas paddock.
Max Verstappen jokes with Zak Brown after winning the 2024 F1 world championship
Brown quickly posted on Instagram after the race to congratulate the Dutchman and said: “Congrats to @MaxVerstappen1 on clinching your fourth World Championship.
“An incredible achievement and a testament to your talent and dedication.”
Verstappen was then being interviewed on Sky Sports F1 when he was interrupted by Brown who immediately shook his hand and said: “Congratulations!”
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
The Dutchman replied: “You pushed us all the way!”
Brown added: “We did, but you did it, and four world championships, now you beat my [Ayrton] Senna guy!”
Verstappen then joked: “And like you said, before I could only win it in the fastest car! This year’s been a little bit different!”
Brown concluded: “Exactly! Well done, well done,” before leaving the 27-year-old to continue his interview.
Max Verstappen sends positive message to Lando Norris after clinching title
It’s been an incredibly positive campaign for McLaren considering where they started this season.
They were the fourth-fastest car until they delivered their brilliant update package in Miami that led to Norris’s first F1 victory.
They now have to concentrate on winning the Constructors’ Championship, but Norris will be wondering if 2025 is when he can finally get the better of Verstappen.
READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine
Norris and Verstappen shared a moment in the media pen where he congratulated his rival.
Verstappen suggested that Norris’s time will come one day, but he won’t want that to be while he’s still racing in Formula 1.
The Dutchman isn’t planning on racing in F1 for as long as the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
While Norris and Brown would love to beat him, they’d very much settle for him announcing an early retirement.
Leave feedback about this