Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula One world championship under the dazzling Las Vegas lights, solidifying his dominance in the sport. Despite finishing fifth in a race led by Mercedes' George Russell, the Red Bull driver sealed the title with two rounds to spare. Verstappen’s closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, claimed the fastest lap after a late pit stop but still fell 63 points short of catching the Dutchman. Celebrating his milestone, Verstappen reflected on a tougher season compared to last year but credited his team for their unyielding effort.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix saw a commanding performance from Mercedes, with Russell delivering a flawless drive from pole to win, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton in second. Starting tenth, Hamilton carved through the field to secure a one-two finish for the team, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completed the podium. Charles Leclerc’s early tire struggles left him fourth, though Ferrari made gains in the constructors' standings, reducing their deficit to McLaren to just 24 points.
Norris graciously acknowledged Verstappen’s achievement, praising his consistency and relentless pressure throughout the season. "He dominated when he had the quickest car and stayed on my heels when he didn’t," said Norris. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished seventh despite a false start penalty, while Haas celebrated a strong eighth-place finish for Nico Hulkenberg. Yuki Tsunoda and Sergio Perez rounded out the top ten in a race that also saw Alpine suffer a setback with Pierre Gasly’s engine failure.
As celebrations erupted on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Verstappen joined an elite club of four-time champions, a group that includes legends like Sebastian Vettel, Alain Prost, and Juan Manuel Fangio. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Verstappen as being "in a class of his own," highlighting his record of eight race wins this season—double that of any other driver. With only Hamilton, Schumacher, and Fangio claiming more titles, Verstappen's place in F1 history is cemented.
The race also intensified battles across the midfield, with Haas leapfrogging Alpine in the standings after a tough night for the Renault-owned team. Meanwhile, Russell, ecstatic with his win, vowed to stay in Las Vegas to celebrate with his team, declaring it a dream weekend. As fireworks lit up the desert sky, Verstappen basked in his triumph, stating, "To stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought possible. It’s a proud and surreal moment."
