George Russell Wins, Max Verstappen Secures Fourth Championship
In a dramatic race that saw George Russell take the win, Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 World Championship by finishing fifth, making history as just the sixth driver to win four titles after Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Sebastian Vettel, and Alain Prost.
Verstappens rival for the title, McLarens Lando Norris, finished in sixth place, but it was not enough to challenge the Dutchman, who had a comfortable cushion in the standings. After crossing the line, Verstappen was heard over the radio expressing his joy Oh my god, what a season, four times, thank you guys. It's a little more difficult than last year, but we pulled through. Thank you so much, guys.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished second, while Ferraris Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc completed the podium in third and fourth, respectively.
Norris, who had steadily chipped away at Verstappens lead throughout the second half of the season, started the race just behind him in sixth position. However, his race took a setback when he pitted early on lap 10, dropping him to 17th. Verstappen followed suit a couple of laps later, switching from medium to hard tires and rejoining in sixth.
Russell, who had started from pole position, held on to the lead after the opening pit stops. Verstappen was second, with the Ferrari drivers and Hamilton in the Mercedes providing a strong challenge, creating a significant gap between the Dutchman and Norris.
Norriss mood darkened mid-race as he radioed his team to report struggling with the front tires of his McLaren. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly Alpine and Alex Albon Williams were the first to retire from the race.
Hamilton, starting from 10th on the grid, was on a charge, passing both Ferraris and then Verstappen to move into second place. By lap 33, Russell had built an impressive 11-second lead over his teammate Hamilton, who was battling hard for a podium finish.
With the title all but secured, Verstappen allowed the Ferraris to pass him, knowing that a fifth-place finish was sufficient to clinch the championship, which he did in style. His consistent drive throughout the season and strong strategy ensured that, despite not winning the race, he would still be crowned champion for the fourth time.
