Max Verstappen clinches his 4th World Championship title as Mercedes dominates Las Vegas GP by finishing 1-2

Max Verstappen added another illustrious chapter to his Formula 1 career by clinching his fourth drivers’ championship title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, even as Mercedes stole the show with a commanding 1-2 finish. George Russell secured another victory of the season, fending off a late charge from teammate Lewis Hamilton, while Carlos Sainz completed the podium for Ferrari.

Russell, starting from pole, showcased a composed drive under the dazzling Vegas lights, leading Mercedes to their first 1-2 finish of the season. “It feels incredible to win here,” said Russell, visibly elated after his stellar performance. Hamilton, finishing 7.313 seconds behind, commended his teammate’s efforts, saying, “George drove a brilliant race; this is a fantastic result for the team.”

The race’s outcome was a bittersweet moment for Verstappen, who began the evening in fifth and finished in the same spot. Despite missing out on a podium finish, his result was sufficient to secure the championship, as his closest rival, Lando Norris, could only manage sixth for McLaren. Reflecting on his season, Verstappen remarked, “This title means a lot.”

McLaren continues to struggle in the championship! 

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, while Norris’ struggles left him trailing by over 40 seconds from the race winner. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took seventh, followed by Nico Hulkenberg, Yuki Tsunoda, and Sergio Pérez, who rounded out the top ten.

Further down the field, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Haas driver Kevin Magnussen finished 11th and 12th respectively, while Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon were among the day’s non-finishers. The Sin City spectacle not only celebrated Verstappen’s historic fourth title but also reignited Mercedes’ competitive spirit with their dominant display.

As the season edges toward its conclusion, the battle for the constructors’ championship remains heated, with Ferrari and McLaren both eager to carry their momentum into the final rounds. Next week F1 paddock will move to Qatar before the season Finale in Abu Dhabi. 

Here are the final results: