The Las Vegas Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen secure his fourth straight Formula 1 World Championship, with two races to spare, leaving fellow driver Lando Norris to acknowledge the Dutchman’s unparalleled skill and consistency on the track.
Verstappen Clinches the Title in Las Vegas
Heading into the race weekend, Norris needed to outscore Verstappen by at least three points to keep his title hopes alive. Despite their lack of front-running pace throughout the event, Verstappen finished fifth, with Norris trailing in sixth, replicating their starting positions. Norris did manage to claim the fastest lap bonus point, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Verstappen from sealing the 2024 championship.
“Congrats to Max – I’m disappointed I’m out of it, but Max deserved to win it,” Norris said post-race. “He drove a better season than I did. He deserved it more than anyone else.”
Norris on Verstappen’s Strengths: ‘Max Just Doesn’t Have a Weakness’
Norris was full of praise for Verstappen’s incredible consistency, emphasizing the reigning champion’s ability to perform regardless of circumstances.
“Max just doesn’t have a weakness. When he’s got the best car, he dominates. When he doesn’t, he’s still there, always making life tough and difficult. He drove a very good year; I can’t fault him.”
While Norris admitted the Las Vegas race was a “dreadful” weekend for McLaren, he acknowledged Verstappen’s achievement with respect.
“We couldn’t even put up a fight against Max, something I would have loved to have done today. But congrats to him for what he’s achieved.”
McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship Battle with Ferrari
Although Norris secured the fastest lap, McLaren had a tough outing overall. His teammate Oscar Piastri followed him home in seventh, helping McLaren minimize the damage as Ferrari trimmed their advantage in the Constructors’ Championship from 36 points to 24.
“Every point is going to matter at the end of the season as Ferrari are performing well,” Norris admitted. “I’m hoping this weekend is an anomaly for us, and we return to our usual pace in the next rounds.”
Norris highlighted the unpredictability of the remaining races, citing the tight competition among Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren.
“It’s exciting for you guys, but stressful for us behind the wheel! We’ll keep fighting. The Constructors’ fight is very much alive, and I’m confident we can still do it – but it’s not going to be easy by any means.”
What’s Next for the F1 Season?
With two races left in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the focus now shifts to the Constructors’ Championship battle, where McLaren aims to fend off a resurgent Ferrari. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s dominance further cements his status as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
Stay tuned as the season reaches its thrilling conclusion, with teams and drivers leaving it all on the track in the final rounds.
