Max Verstappen has once again proved he’s the driver to beat, clinching his fourth consecutive Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship under the glittering lights of Las Vegas. A steady fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was all the Red Bull superstar needed to secure the crown, outpacing his closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, with two races still to go.
A dominant start, a challenging middle
The 2024 season began as a Verstappen masterclass, with the Dutchman claiming victory in seven of the first 10 races. But as the season progressed, Red Bull’s dominance was tested. A remarkable 10-race winless streak saw the rise of McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, with Norris emerging as Verstappen’s fiercest challenger.
Despite the mid-season turbulence, Verstappen remained a force to be reckoned with. His watershed moment came in Brazil, where a sensational drive from 17th on the grid to victory in a rain-soaked Sao Paulo Grand Prix restored his lead in the championship standings. Heading to Las Vegas, the math was simple: finish ahead of Norris to lock in the title.
A historic night in Las Vegas
Starting fifth on the grid, one spot ahead of Norris, Verstappen’s focus was razor-sharp. While he didn’t challenge for the win, his calculated approach ensured he stayed ahead of the McLaren driver throughout the race, sealing his fourth championship with two rounds to spare.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Verstappen said. “Winning four titles was never something I thought I’d achieve when I started, and this season has been the hardest. That makes it even more rewarding.”
Joining the legends
Verstappen’s fourth title elevates him to an elite group of drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton, who have also achieved four consecutive championships. His total of four titles matches F1 great Alain Prost, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Competition fuels Verstappen’s rise
The 2024 season showcased the most competitive F1 grid in years, with wins spread across McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Norris mounted a spirited challenge, while Carlos Sainz and George Russell also delivered standout performances. However, Verstappen’s consistency and ability to thrive under pressure gave him the edge.
The Verstappen era continues
With youth, skill, and an ironclad partnership with Red Bull, Verstappen’s reign atop Formula 1 shows no signs of slowing. For his rivals, the challenge remains daunting: how do you stop a driver who seems destined to rewrite the record books?
Max Verstappen’s fourth title isn’t just a milestone—it’s a statement. The era of Verstappen dominance marches on, and the rest of the grid will need something extraordinary to catch him.