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Max Verstappen is officially a four-time Formula 1 World Champion. A fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was enough for him to clinch the title, staying ahead of his closest rival, Lando Norris, who finished sixth with the fastest lap.
Under the glittering lights of the Strip, Mercedes dominated the race: George Russell, starting from pole position, secured his fourth career victory, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari returned to the podium with Carlos Sainz in third place. Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth after an eventful race, engaged in a heated battle with his teammate, culminating in a team order ignored by Sainz. Despite the internal skirmish, the pair brought home crucial points in the Constructors' Championship, narrowing the gap to McLaren to 24 points. The decisive showdown will take place in Qatar, the final race of the season.
Under the checkered flag waved by Sylvester Stallone, Verstappen celebrated a title that was anything but easy. After a dominant start, the season was marked by controversies, internal struggles within the Red Bull team, and a technical decline that allowed rivals like McLaren and Ferrari to close the gap. Nevertheless, Verstappen once again proved his mettle, highlighted by a heroic win in Brazil just weeks ago. "It’s been a tough year, but I’ve learned so much. I’m proud of what we achieved as a team," said the champion.
F1 President Stefano Domenicali also praised the Dutch driver: "Max is one of the greats of this sport and still has so much to give." With his fourth title, Verstappen matches Sebastian Vettel’s achievement, who also won four championships with Red Bull. The story is far from over.
