Max Verstappen secures fourth consecutive F1 championship with fifth-place finish in Las Vegas

Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place. The title was clinched despite a challenging race, with Mercedes’ George Russell claiming victory and teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing second after a strong recovery drive from 10th on the grid.

Verstappen's fifth-place finish, behind Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, was sufficient to seal the championship. McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen’s closest competitor, finished sixth, leaving him 63 points behind Verstappen with only 60 points remaining in the season.

The Dutchman joins an elite group of four-time champions, including Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, trailing only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio in total titles. Reflecting on his achievement, Verstappen said, "It was a little more difficult than last season, but we pulled through." His season showcased a mix of dominance and resilience, solidifying his place among the greats.

While Verstappen celebrated his championship, George Russell’s dominant performance in Las Vegas marked Mercedes’ fourth win of the season. His teammate Lewis Hamilton delivered a strong performance, recovering from 10th to finish second. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc capitalized on their consistent runs to close the gap to McLaren in the constructors’ championship, reducing their deficit to 24 points with two races remaining.

Verstappen’s measured performance reflected his strategic focus on securing the title at the earliest opportunity. His ability to balance pressure and precision throughout the year underscores his dominance in the sport. As the season nears its end, Verstappen’s triumph signals his continued impact on Formula 1, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting title defense next year.