Max Verstappen he got his fourth title in a row early this Sunday Formula 1.
The Dutch Red Bull driver finished the race in fifth place and achieved the combination of results he needed Lando Norrisfrom McLaren, securing the championship at the Las Vegas GP, which ended with victory for George Russellfrom Mercedes.
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Verstappen is only the sixth driver in history to have won at least four Formula 1 titles At the age of 27, the Dutchman tied the number of championships Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prostsecond only to Argentina Juan Manuel Fangio (5 titles), from the German Michael Schumacher (7 titles) and the British Lewis Hamilton (7 titles).
As Lando Norris finished sixth, one behind the Dutchman, Verstappen’s advantage over the Briton increased to 63 points. With only 60 in contention until the end of the championship, the Red Bull driver took the trophy he had already won in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
In addition to RBR, now the owner of eight drivers’ titles (four more with Sebastian Vettel), Mercedes was another team to celebrate the Las Vegas GP, who achieved a double on the podium with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton . Carlos Sainz, from Ferrari, completed the Top 3.
The race
Pole position, George Russell made a good start and remained in control of the race. Charles Leclerc reached second place and threatened the Brit, who lost the Ferrari driver.
Max Verstappen also started the race with a bang and by the tenth lap he was in second place. Alpine Pierre Gasly started third, but had to abandon the race after an engine failure. Like Gasly, Alexander Albon Williams also had to withdraw.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc fought a good battle for the best spots, while Verstappen, watching Norris’ position in the race, remained calm and away from the fray.
Russell took advantage of pole and led to the finish. Hamilton won the fight with Leclerc and took second place. In the final straight, after a communication failure from Ferrari, Carlos Sainz overtook his teammate Charles and closed the podium. The Monegasque even complained to the builders on the radio.
Verstappen and Norris finished fifth and sixth respectively. Thus, the Dutch driver won his fourth Formula 1 championship in a row.
See how the standings of the DG Formula 1 Las Vegas were:
George Russell (Mercedes)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Max Verstappen (RBR) – championship champion
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
Sergio Pérez (RBR)
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Guanyu Zhou (Sauber)
Franco Colapinto (Williams)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Liam Lawson (RB)
Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)
Alexander Albon (Williams) – ABANDONOU
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – ABANDONOU
What strategies did Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team use to secure the championship despite finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Formula 1 Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, everyone! Today, we have an exciting discussion lined up about the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 title. We’re joined by renowned Formula 1 analyst and expert, Dr. Elena Rossi. Welcome, Dr. Rossi!
Dr. Elena Rossi (ER): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a thrilling race and the implications of Verstappen’s incredible achievement.
TNE: Absolutely! Max Verstappen’s victory in the championship is monumental. Can you share your thoughts on what this means for his career, especially considering he’s only 27 years old?
ER: Certainly! Achieving four titles at such a young age places Verstappen in a rarefied group of elite drivers. He now shares this accolade with legends like Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost. It’s remarkable to think that he could potentially surpass them and chase down icons like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who each have seven titles.
TNE: It’s fascinating! Verstappen had a somewhat quieter race, finishing in fifth place. How did he secure the championship despite not winning this particular GP?
ER: Verstappen’s strategic approach was key. While he was fifth, Lando Norris finished sixth, which meant that Verstappen stretched his lead to 63 points. With only 60 points available in the remaining races, he effectively clinched the championship regardless of his finishing position. It’s a testament to the consistent performance of both Verstappen and the Red Bull team throughout the season.
TNE: Speaking of Red Bull, they now have a total of eight drivers’ titles, thanks to both Verstappen’s and Vettel’s victories. How do you think this historic achievement shapes the team’s legacy?
ER: Red Bull Racing has solidified itself as a dominant force in Formula 1, especially in recent years. Their ability to develop competitive cars year after year speaks volumes about their engineering prowess and strategic foresight. This latest title only enhances their stature and sets them up as a benchmark for other teams. Their success underlines how crucial a combination of talent, technology, and teamwork is in Formula 1.
TNE: It was also a significant day for Mercedes, with George Russell winning the race and Lewis Hamilton finishing strong. How do you view their performance at the Las Vegas GP?
ER: Mercedes demonstrated their resurgence with a stunning double podium finish. George Russell led from pole and controlled the race effectively, showcasing the team’s refined strategies. Lewis Hamilton’s performance was equally commendable as he continues to defy the odds and compete for wins, even as the younger generation, like Verstappen and Norris, takes center stage. Their partnership and experience still make them a formidable duo on the grid.
TNE: Before we wrap up, what are your thoughts on the upcoming races of the season? Can Norris or any other driver put up a fight against Verstappen for next year’s title?
ER: While I admire Norris’s growth and potential, pulling off something extraordinary over the next races is essential. The gap is significant, and Verstappen has shown he can consistently deliver under pressure. However, next year could be different; with teams constantly evolving, we might see a tighter competition, particularly if Ferrari and Mercedes maintain form. The landscape of Formula 1 is ever-changing, and that’s what makes the sport so thrilling.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Rossi! It’s been great to dive deep into the remarkable achievements of Max Verstappen and the ongoing battles in Formula 1.
ER: Thank you for having me! I look forward to the upcoming races and seeing how the season unfolds.
TNE: And to our viewers, thanks for tuning in! Stay with us for more insights and analysis on the world of sports. Until next time!