Verstappen crowned world champion – again
The final race will be in Abu Dhabi on December 8.
Although George Russell (Mercedes) produced an excellent race to win the Las Vegas GP, the day belonged to Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who did enough to secure the world championship title.
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) also enjoyed a good day, making it a 1-2 for the Silver Arrows.
Russell led from the start and never looked in danger for the entire race.
Hamilton gave a superb display of his best driving, coming from tenth in the field at the start to the runner-up spot.
Mercedes’ tyres suited the cooler conditions, and the cars proved to be invincible on the day.
Next up in their Ferraris were Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, in third and fourth positions, respectively.
They did well to get past Verstappen, who had to be content with fifth place.
At one stage, Verstappen was as high as second, but he cruised home, looking after his tyres and doing what was necessary for the world championship points.
Lando Norris (McLaren) was next in sixth position, with teammate Oscar Piastri not far behind in seventh place.
The two McLarens, which were not at their best in these conditions, could not do anything about obtaining a better result.
Nico Hulkenberg drove well again in the Haas, claiming eighth place. All eyes are on him with regards to Audi next year.
Yuki Tsunoda (RB) did quite well, taking ninth position, followed by Sergio Perez, who produced a mediocre performance by his standards in his Red Bull.
Verstappen was, of course, overjoyed and is a deserving world champion, now for the fourth time and in what has been a more difficult season for him.
He did not have it all his own way but never relented and can now enjoy the sweet taste of success.
The final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are a week apart. Verstappen has said he will not give up on trying to win them.
Everything augurs well for a good end to the season and an interesting start to 2025.
My columns will conclude after the last race with a brief resume of the season and what I think we can expect next year.
DRIVERS
1 Max Verstappen 403
2 Lando Norris 340
3 Charles Leclerc 319
4 Oscar Piastri 268
5 Carlos Sainz 259
6 George Russell 217
7 Lewis Hamilton 208
8 Sergio Perez 152
9 Fernando Alonso 62
10 Nico Hulkenberg 35
TEAM
1 McLaren 608
2 Ferrari 584
3 Red Bull 555
4 Mercedes 425
5 Aston Martin 86
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