Max Verstappen has formally been topped the 2024 F1 world champion on the FIA’s prize-giving gala.
The Crimson Bull driver was introduced with the world drivers’ trophy for the fourth time on the FIA’s awards ceremony on Friday within the Rwandan capital of Kigali.
Verstappen was current in Rwanda to obtain his trophy from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Dutchman claimed his fourth consecutive world championship by successful 9 grands prix throughout the 24-round 2024 season.
Verstappen clinched the title with two rounds remaining on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, having constructed an unassailable benefit over McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Norris, who helped McLaren safe their first constructors’ championship since 1998, collected his award for ending runner-up, whereas Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took residence his third-place trophy.
McLaren crew principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown have been in attendance to gather the Woking-based outfit’s first constructors’ title in 26 years, and their first F1 championship since 2008.
In addition to attending the gala to choose up the coveted drivers’ championship trophy, Verstappen accomplished his group service punishment for swearing throughout a press convention in Singapore.
Verstappen’s “work of public curiosity” noticed the 27-year-old “undertake some work with junior rivals as a part of the grassroots improvement programme organised by the Rwanda Vehicle Membership (RAC)”.
Verstappen hopes title run ‘does not cease right here’
After receiving his trophy, Verstappen mentioned: “This season was fairly up and down. We had an important begin to the 12 months, all the things was wanting nice. I believe particularly from the skin.
“As a crew you all the time perceive your limitations and what you wish to work on. The competitors did an important job, they improved their vehicles quite a bit and made it much more troublesome for us. Particularly within the constructors’.
“We had a little bit of a troublesome run however even once we have been underneath stress and having powerful instances, I believe the crew actually caught collectively. We didn’t panic, which might simply be completed in these type of conditions.
“I’m simply very pleased with everybody within the crew as effectively. After all we’re not standing right here as constructors’ champions. In a means, I do suppose we deserved a bit bit extra in that championship.
“I attempted my best and we additionally know quite a bit what we have to work on for subsequent 12 months. I’m very enthusiastic about that as effectively as a result of it does appear to be it is going to be a correct battle between numerous groups.”
Verstappen’s newest triumph has seen him be a part of an elite membership of drivers on 4 or extra world titles. Solely Michael Schumacher (seven), Lewis Hamilton (seven), Juan Manuel Fangio (5), Alain Prost (4) and Sebastian Vettel (4) have completed the identical.
“As a child rising up, you don’t consider this stuff. You take a look at the names and suppose ‘wow, that’s actually spectacular’ and hope at some point you may be on they podium.
“Typically you get fortunate in life, you’re in the suitable place on the proper time. After all as a driver that you must benefit from that and fortuitously I’ve been ready to do this on the identical time.
“It’s superb. 4 titles is unquestionably unimaginable. After all I hope it doesn’t cease right here. I hope that we may be profitable for an extended time frame. You could possibly see this 12 months the competitors may be very shut.
“Once more in ’26, quite a bit goes to vary and perhaps another groups might be aggressive once more. For the second I believe it’s essential to only benefit from the second, be pleased with what we’ve achieved as a crew, and take a look at once more subsequent 12 months.”
