Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula One world title under the lights at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, joining the elite group of drivers with four or more championships. The 27-year-old Dutchman finished fifth in the race, with his only title rival, Lando Norris of McLaren, crossing the line in sixth. Verstappen’s consistent dominance throughout the season cemented his place in F1 history.
The race itself was a showcase of Mercedes’ supremacy, with George Russell claiming victory from pole position in a dominant one-two finish alongside teammate Lewis Hamilton, who impressively climbed from 10th to second. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc in fourth. Norris, despite a challenging race, made a late pitstop to secure the fastest lap, earning a bonus point. The night race added drama to a season already highlighted by Verstappen’s unparalleled performance.
Verstappen Thanks Red Bull For The Fourth World Title
The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend began with Red Bull facing challenges, particularly due to a rear wing design that was costing the team over half a second on the straights. On Saturday, November 23, the team introduced a modified wing with adjustments that significantly improved the car’s balance. This change played a pivotal role in Max Verstappen’s performance, allowing him to contend for podium positions for much of the race despite the tough conditions.
While Verstappen couldn’t fend off the Ferraris by the end of the race and finished fifth, he secured enough points to claim his fourth Formula One world title, outperforming his closest rival, Lando Norris, who struggled with excessive tire wear.
Speaking after the race, Verstappen reflected on his season. He acknowledged the remarkable start to the year and the challenges faced in the latter stages but praised his team’s resilience and continuous efforts. Becoming a four-time world champion, something he once deemed unimaginable, left him feeling both proud and relieved, capping off a long and demanding season.
Max Verstappen’s Race Engineer Praises His Remarkable Effort
After Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula One world title, his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, shared his thoughts on the driver’s impressive season. Often referred to as “GP,” Lambiase highlighted notable parallels between this season and the intense battles of 2021. He expressed pride in Verstappen’s growth and how he conducted himself throughout the year.
Lambiase emphasized Verstappen’s remarkable ability to consistently extract the best possible results from every race, demonstrating another level of maturity and skill. He acknowledged that while Verstappen’s dominance might appear effortless at times, it stems from his relentless effort, respect for fellow competitors, and commitment to excellence.
Reflecting on the journey, Lambiase underscored how the title win showcased Verstappen’s evolution as a driver. His ability to maintain high performance without the need to win every single weekend further highlighted his adaptability and composure, leaving his engineer and the team immensely proud of his achievements.