Round 22 of the 2024 season marked the weekend that Max Verstappen achieved victory in the championship fight, securing his fourth consecutive Driver’s Title in Las Vegas.
Coming into the 2024 season, many thought Red Bull would dominate once again with Max Verstappen. The Dutchman won the first two races and has added eight victories to his name this season.
Before Brazil, Verstappen’s last win was in Barcelona, not including Sprints. As a result of him having a streak of not winning grands prix, other drivers found themselves winning, including Lando Norris.
With Verstappen and Norris both adding to their points tally, the gap between them eventually closed until a championship fight was happening. However, coming into this weekend Verstappen had the opportunity to win his fourth title.
There was a 62-point difference between the two drivers ahead of Las Vegas. In order to win the title, Verstappen needed to finish ahead of Norris and for the fight to continue to Qatar, Norris needed to finish at least three points ahead of Verstappen.
Unfortunately for the British driver, he started sixth, just behind Verstappen, but didn’t have the pace to make up places quite like the Dutchman during the race.
As a result, Verstappen has been crowned the 2024 Drivers’ Champion.
MAX VERSTAPPEN, YOU ARE THE WORLD CHAMPION! ? pic.twitter.com/Wr6EJdCEwx
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 24, 2024
Norris had said following Qualifying that he would not give up “until the end”, but the end came this weekend. Verstappen finished the Las Vegas Grand Prix in fourth, a position ahead of Norris, replicating Sebastian Vettel’s four championships with Red Bull.
But whilst the Drivers’ Championship has been secured, the Constructors’ Championship is still ongoing.
Never thought it was possible
In his post-race interview with Jenson Button, Verstappen reflected on his championship win and the 2024 season. The four-time world champion admitted that this season hasn’t been easy. He said:
“Yeah it’s been a long season, of course. We started off amazing, almost like cruising and then we had a tough run. But as a team we kept it together…” Verstappen continued by admitting he’s achieved what he thought was impossible:
“I’ve got to be proud of everyone, of what they’ve done for me. Standing here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought was possible…To be standing here, a four-time world champion, is just incredible.”
The 2024 season is not over yet though, despite a conclusion to the Drivers’ Championship. There are two races left with Qatar next weekend and then Abu Dhabi.
Headline image: X @F1