Max Verstappen has cemented his place among Formula 1’s elite, clinching his fourth World Championship after a strong performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. By finishing ahead of Lando Norris, Verstappen sealed the deal with two races remaining in the season. Yet, this victory—arguably his toughest since the dramatic 2021 title—comes with lingering questions about what lies ahead.
As the celebratory dust settles, Verstappen is faced with a challenging road. Red Bull, while still formidable, is no longer the untouchable force it was just a year ago. With new regulations set to shake up the sport in 2026, even Verstappen is uncertain if another shot at the title is guaranteed.
Despite his dominance, Verstappen isn’t preoccupied with matching the legendary seven World Championships of Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher. For him, such aspirations aren’t worth chasing if they rely on factors beyond his control.
“You need to have that momentum as well. You need to have the right team to be able to achieve that for a long period of time. It’s not something that I set out to do. Of course, if it happens, it happens. But I’m already very proud to win four,” Verstappen admitted.
For the Dutchman, the satisfaction of achieving his fourth title is equal to what others may feel after winning seven. While he won’t actively pursue records, it’s hard to imagine Verstappen not taking any opportunity to dominate if it presents itself.
This season holds special significance for Verstappen, as he managed to win the championship while driving what was largely considered the third-fastest car on the grid. His victory marks the first time since 1982 that a driver from a team outside the top three in the standings has secured the title.
Red Bull’s decline in dominance saw Verstappen and his team scramble for results. After a stunning start with seven wins in the opening 10 races, Verstappen claimed just one victory in the next 12. Nevertheless, his consistency proved crucial, allowing him to amass a significant points lead.
Teammate Sergio Perez, on the other hand, lagged over 200 points behind Verstappen, underscoring the Dutchman’s ability to extract every ounce of performance from the RB20. While Red Bull fell short in the constructors’ championship, Verstappen’s individual brilliance became the standout narrative of the year.
Verstappen couldn’t resist taking a victory lap—both figuratively and literally—after silencing critics like McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who previously claimed Verstappen could only succeed with the fastest car on the grid. After proving the doubters wrong, Verstappen made sure to remind them of his unparalleled talent.
Looking ahead to 2025, Verstappen’s rivals at Ferrari and McLaren are expected to bring even more competitive machinery to the table. But if this season proved anything, it’s that Verstappen thrives on challenges, and his determination to remain on top is as fierce as ever.
As Formula 1 enters a new era, fans can only speculate how Verstappen’s legacy will continue to unfold. Whether or not he chases the records of Hamilton and Schumacher, one thing is certain: Verstappen has already etched his name among the sport’s greatest drivers.
