LAS VEGAS — Under the dazzling neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, Max Verstappen claimed his fourth Formula 1 drivers’ championship Saturday night, joining the pantheon of F1 legends. The 27-year-old Red Bull star sealed the title with a calculated fifth-place finish, comfortably outpacing his sole rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, who crossed the line in sixth.
The victory places Verstappen in the exclusive club of four-time world champions alongside Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Alain Prost, and Juan Manuel Fangio.
A season crowned in Sin City
Verstappen’s path to the title was a mixture of dominance and resilience. After storming through the early part of the season, a mid-year slump tested both driver and team. But in true champion fashion, Verstappen regained his stride, culminating in his crowning moment in Las Vegas.
“Oh my God, man. What a season,” Verstappen exclaimed over team radio moments after crossing the finish line. “Four times! Thank you… It’s been a little more difficult than last year, but we pulled through. And we gave it all.”
The Dutchman’s achievement was witnessed by an audience of global stars and racing enthusiasts, including actor Sylvester Stallone, who waved the checkered flag.
Russell dominates as Mercedes shines
While Verstappen basked in the glory of his championship, the night belonged to Mercedes. George Russell converted pole position into a commanding victory, holding off teammate Lewis Hamilton to deliver a Mercedes 1-2 finish. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed the final podium spot in third.
The win marked Russell’s second of the season, reinforcing his credentials as a rising star in the sport. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s relentless recovery from a 10th-place start showcased the veteran’s enduring skill and tenacity.
Glitz, glamor, and speed
The Las Vegas Grand Prix wasn’t just a race—it was an event. The return of Formula 1 to Las Vegas brought Hollywood-level glamor to the paddock, with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Stallone rubbing shoulders with drivers and teams.
“I love fast cars, I love racing, and I love Las Vegas,” Hilton, a McLaren fan, told NBC News on the grid. “So it’s a perfect combination of fun.”
Trackside suites fetched eye-watering sums, with fans shelling out tens of thousands of dollars for a taste of the high-speed action. For a city known for its excess, the Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered an unforgettable spectacle.
What’s next for Verstappen?
With two races and a sprint still to go, Verstappen’s focus shifts to closing the season on a high. His dominance in Formula 1 shows no signs of waning, and with youth on his side, he may soon join the sport’s most decorated legends.
For now, though, the bright lights of Las Vegas shine brightest on Max Verstappen—a champion who continues to redefine excellence in Formula 1.