Max Verstappen gets his fourth F1 world title in Las Vegas during a night to remember in the neon capital – Max Verstappen cemented his Formula One legacy on a glittering night under the neon lights of Las Vegas by clinching his fourth world championship title as Mercedes George Russell wins the Nevada race.
The Red Bull driver’s consistent performance in one of the most challenging seasons of his career culminated in a fifth-place finish, enough to cement his place among the sport’s greats. As the champagne flowed, the Dutchman joined the likes of Sebastian Vettel with four titles to his name, mirroring the German’s dominant Red Bull run from 2010 to 2013.
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In the penultimate race of the 2024 season, Verstappen took a commanding points lead into the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite a surge by rival McLaren in recent months, their title hopes faltered under the city’s glittering lights.
Lando Norris, once Verstappen’s closest rival, could only manage a sixth-place finish, putting the championship out of reach ahead of the season’s final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Mercedes seized the opportunity to shine, with George Russell leading a 1-2 finish alongside Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took the final podium spot, while Nico Hulkenberg finished a creditable eighth for Haas.
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A battle won weeks ago
Although the official coronation took place in Las Vegas, many felt that the decisive blow had been struck weeks earlier in Brazil. In Sao Paulo, Verstappen staged a stunning comeback from 17th on the grid to claim victory, while Norris, who had started from pole, slipped to sixth. This pivotal race swung the momentum firmly in Verstappen’s favour, opening up an insurmountable points lead.
The season’s narrative of a potential Norris upset crumbled as McLaren struggled to maintain their mid-season form. By the time the teams arrived in Las Vegas, Verstappen’s title was more of a formality than a question of if.
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A challenging race in the desert
Las Vegas presented unique challenges for the teams. Cold night-time temperatures on the Strip left drivers struggling with tyre performance.
Verstappen acknowledged the uncertainty before the race, saying, “I don’t know how fast we are or how we’re going to deal with the tyres. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
The race began cautiously, with Verstappen and Norris biding their time in the opening laps. Both drivers eventually overtook Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who had surprisingly qualified third. Verstappen demonstrated Red Bull’s superior race pace as he climbed through the field, while Norris struggled with tyre degradation and fell behind the leaders.
Despite falling behind Mercedes and Ferrari, Verstappen’s consistency and measured approach epitomised his championship-winning form. He crossed the line in fifth place to secure the ultimate prize: the 2024 Drivers’ Championship.
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Behind the scenes: The Verstappen family perspective
A different kind of win for Jos Verstappen
For Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, this championship felt very different. Speaking to *FORMULA 1 Magazine*, the former F1 driver reflected on the challenges of the season, highlighting the team’s struggles and the political complexities behind the scenes.
“We’ve had better seasons where Max has been champion,” he admitted. “This year was harder to watch at times because things didn’t always go in the right direction.”
Unlike 2023, when Max dominated with 19 wins from 22 races, the 2024 season was marked by fluctuating performance levels and increased competition. Red Bull faced stiffer challenges from McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, making this arguably Verstappen’s most fiercely contested title.
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Max’s mental strength: A key to success
Jos also praised Max’s composure throughout a tumultuous season.
“He’s very mentally tough,” said Jos. “He hears and sees everything that’s said about him, but it doesn’t affect him. That mental strength is one of his greatest assets.”
Reaction from the F1 paddock
Red Bull and rivals weigh in
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Verstappen’s achievement, calling it “his best and toughest world championship”. Horner added: “This title was hard fought. The other teams pushed us hard and Max delivered even when the car wasn’t perfect.”
Rival Lando Norris was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Verstappen’s superiority. “Max deserved to win. He’s had a better season than me and he has no weaknesses. Whether he has the best car or not, he’s always there.”
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed similar sentiments, praising Verstappen’s consistency and skill. “He is a true master of the sport,” said Domenicali, “and he has a lot more to come.”
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Verstappen’s plans revealed for 2025
With four titles to his name at the age of 27, Max Verstappen is firmly established in the pantheon of F1 legends. The 2024 season has shown his adaptability, mental toughness and sheer talent, proving he is much more than a driver dependent on a dominant car.
Looking ahead to 2025, Verstappen remains hungry for more, stating, “There are two races left and I want to do well in them. After a break, we’ll go for it again next year.”
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A new era of competition
The 2024 season also marks a turning point for F1, with a tighter field and more competitive races. Verstappen himself acknowledged this, saying: “Next year we’ll have a real battle between a lot of cars. With McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari all showing flashes of brilliance, fans can look forward to a thrilling 2025 season.
For now, however, the spotlight remains on Verstappen, the undisputed king of F1, whose name is once again in the history books.
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‘The first time I had a day like this’: Mercedes’ sensational pace leaves Hamilton speechless as Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes shine under the Las Vegas lights – On Thursday night in Las Vegas, Lewis Hamilton was nothing short of ecstatic.
The Formula One veteran, known for his sharp criticism and relentless focus, looked unusually at ease after a stellar day of practice ahead of the weekend’s race. For the first time in a tumultuous season, Hamilton enjoyed a day when everything seemed to click.
“It’s the first time this year I’ve had a day like this,” he said, visibly pleased after setting the fastest times in both free practice sessions…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
The man gives me goosebumps! He’s just a brilliant, born racer. Fabulous!