LAS VEGAS — Max Verstappen achieved an extraordinary feat by winning 19 races last season, including a remarkable run of 10 victories in a row, which many consider one of the most exceptional years in Formula 1 history. However, it is this year’s tally of eight wins — his lowest since 2020 — that Verstappen regards as a pivotal season in his career. His performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday secured him a fourth consecutive F1 championship.
To clinch the title with two races still left in the season, Verstappen only needed to finish ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, and his fifth-place finish was sufficient to seal the championship. Red Bull’s dominance took a hit this year with a challenging competition from Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes, but Verstappen’s consistency ensured his place at the top. The latest championship win made Verstappen the sixth driver in Formula 1 history to secure four or more titles, joining legends such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, and Juan Manuel Fangio.
The season kicked off smoothly for Verstappen, with seven wins in the first 10 races, giving him a substantial lead in the driver standings. However, after his seventh win in June, Red Bull faced increasing pressure from competitors, leading to a tough stretch for Verstappen. During this phase, he encountered a 10-race winless streak while Norris began to close the gap in the championship standings. It was only upon his victory in Brazil earlier this month that Verstappen regained his momentum, reinforcing his belief that this season will be one of the most memorable of his career.
“It was a very challenging season,” remarked the 27-year-old Dutch racer. He noted that this experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and contributed to his growth, personally and professionally. “For 70% of the season, we didn’t have the fastest car, but we still managed to extend our lead, and that’s something I’m very proud of.”
Despite the chaos surrounding Red Bull’s operations — including investigations involving team principal Christian Horner and tensions with his father, Jos Verstappen — the driver maintained his focus solely on racing. Key team members departed amid turmoil, but Verstappen showed remarkable mental resilience to face these challenges head-on. “The beginning was a bit messy, but I’m quite calm in those situations,” he explained. His commitment to racing allowed him to block out distractions and concentrate on performance every time he got behind the wheel.
Looking ahead, it remains uncertain how long Verstappen will sustain his current performance level. He has made it clear that he doesn’t wish to have a lengthy career spanning multiple decades in Formula 1. While victory is his utmost passion, he realizes that it cannot be the sole source of fulfillment in his life. “Every year, you find yourself pondering how much longer you want to pursue this,” he shared. He emphasized the importance of separating personal and racing life while also acknowledging the necessity of addressing struggles head-on. “If you’re not having fun, then there’s no point in continuing,” he stated.
In his ten years in Formula 1, Verstappen has already claimed four championships, leading some to speculate that he might one day chase down the records of Hamilton and Schumacher, who each have seven titles. However, Verstappen isn’t keen on racing into his 40s. “I’d love to win another 10 championships, but I know I won’t be in Formula 1 in 10 years,” he concluded. Post-race, Verstappen celebrated his latest achievement with drinks, ready to revel in his status as one of the sport’s biggest stars in Las Vegas once again.