November 24th 2024.
In the history of Formula 1, only five drivers have managed to achieve the impressive feat of winning four or more titles in a row. This exclusive list includes legends such as Fangio, Schumacher, Vettel, Hamilton, and most recently, Max Verstappen.
On a sunny Sunday in Las Vegas, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship title by finishing fifth in the highly-anticipated Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver had arrived in Sin City with the knowledge that as long as he didn't drop three or more points to his closest competitor, Lando Norris, the title was his for the taking.
Both Verstappen and Norris, who were the main contenders for the championship, started alongside each other on the grid. But on the fast and challenging street circuit, Red Bull had the upper hand over McLaren, and Verstappen wasted no time in pulling away from his rival.
The race was filled with thrilling moments as Verstappen engaged in intense battles with drivers from Mercedes and Ferrari. However, despite his best efforts, he was unable to match their pace and had to settle for a fifth-place finish. Meanwhile, it was polesitter George Russell who claimed victory, with Sir Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz completing the podium.
But this weekend belonged to Verstappen, who maintained his position throughout the race and ultimately crossed the finish line right where he started. Norris, on the other hand, trailed behind in sixth place, over 20 seconds behind Verstappen, solidifying the Dutchman's historic title win.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Verstappen couldn't contain his joy as he exclaimed on the team radio, "Oh my god, man! What a season. Four times. Thank you guys, thank you to everyone. It was a little bit more difficult than last year, but we pulled through and gave it our all." It was a moment of gratitude and appreciation for his team who had played a crucial role in his success.
Verstappen's remarkable achievement of clinching his fourth title in Las Vegas was something he never thought possible. But with the support and dedication of his team, he was able to reach this milestone and become one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
The 2024 season had started with Verstappen as the clear favorite, and it seemed like he was on his way to another easy victory after winning seven out of the first ten races. However, McLaren and Ferrari soon caught up and proved to be strong competitors, resulting in an exciting second half of the season. In fact, in the last 12 Grand Prix, there have been seven different winners.
Norris emerged as Verstappen's closest challenger, but despite his talent and determination, he lacked the consistency and experience to mount a comeback that would have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Verstappen's fourth consecutive title now puts him on par with the likes of Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, who have also won four titles in their careers. The only drivers to have achieved more are Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, and Hamilton, who have five or more titles to their names.
Looking ahead, Verstappen will now set his sights on equaling Schumacher's record of five titles in the upcoming 2025 season. Meanwhile, the battle for the constructors' championship is still ongoing, with McLaren currently in the lead, followed closely by Ferrari and Red Bull, with two races remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
This remarkable victory for Verstappen is just the beginning of what is sure to be a long and illustrious career. With his determination, talent, and a team that is always pushing him to be his best, the sky is the limit for this young Formula 1 legend. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting season.
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