Verstappen Celebrates F1 Championship In First African Gala

Rwandan President Paul Kagame shared the stage with Max Verstappen as the Red Bull driver received the Formula One champions trophy for the fourth consecutive year during an awards ceremony held in Africa for the first time on Friday.

The 27-year-old received the trophy from International Automobile Federation FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, alongside Kagame, who confirmed Rwandas interest in hosting a race at the gala in Kigali.

Among only six drivers to win four or more titles since the championships inception in 1950, Verstappen expressed pride in his season and the entire team.

Its fantastic winning four titles is truly remarkable. Naturally, I hope this wont be the end. I aim for us to maintain success for an extended period, he said.

McLaren claimed the constructors title for the first time in 26 years, ending Red Bulls dominance.