Max Verstappen from Red Bull is celebrating the Formula 1 world title for the fourth time in a row in his career. The 27-year-old Dutchman finished fifth in today's Las Vegas Grand Prix, one place ahead of the main pursuer Lando Norris with McLaren, which was more than enough for him to win another triumph in the most prestigious car race.
"My God, man! What a season. Four times. Thank you guys. Thank you everyone. It was a little harder than last year, but we managed and gave it our all. I never thought this was possible, but thanks to you it happened, so I'm very grateful to you again", said the new-old F1 world champion. Norris knew he had to win at all costs to extend his title fight, but in the end he couldn't hold on to the pressure and the constant chase of the leader in the general classification.
Mercedes today recorded a double success, after George Russell, who started from pole position, finished ahead of his teammate and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. In addition to them, Verstappen and Norris, the top ten also included Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), Yuki Tsunoda (RB Honda) and Sergio Perez (Red Bull).
With two races left in the season - Qatar (December 1) and Abu Dhabi (December 8), Verstappen is unattainable at the top with a 63-point lead over Norris. In the constructors' championship, McLaren leads Ferrari by 24 points.
With his fourth consecutive title, Verstappen joined an elite group of drivers with four or more in their collections, surpassing legends such as Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna with three each. In addition to the Dutchman, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel also have four titles. Juan Manuel Fangio has five, and Michael Schumacher and Hamilton share first place with seven each. Verstappen has four in a row, equaling the streaks of Fangio (1854-57), Vettel (2010-13) and Hamilton (2017-20). Schumacher remains the record holder for consecutive world titles with five - between 2000-2004. | BGNES
