Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched his fourth straight World Drivers’ Championship with a fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The race was won by Mercedes’ George Russell, who fended off a determined charge from teammate Lewis Hamilton. Starting 10th on the grid, the seven-time champion climbed to an impressive second place, completing a one-two finish for Mercedes.

Verstappen’s placement behind the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc was more than sufficient to secure his title. His closest rival, Lando Norris of McLaren, finished sixth, leaving a 63-point gap with only 60 points still up for grabs in the season.

The achievement places Verstappen among Formula 1 legends, tying Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel with four world titles. Only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio have more championships.

Reflecting on the season, Verstappen shared his thoughts over team radio: “What a season. It was a little more difficult than last season, but we pulled through.”

Later, he elaborated: “It has been a long season. We started amazing, almost like cruising, and then faced a tough run. But we kept it together as a team, kept working on improvements, and pulled it over the line.

“To stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought possible. I’m relieved, but also incredibly proud.”

Verstappen’s dominance this season cements his legacy in Formula 1 and marks another milestone for the Dutch driver in his already stellar career.