F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Max Verstappen seals 2024 title as George Russell wins thrilling race
F1 live updates from Vegas as Verstappen claims fourth straight world title ahead of Lando Norris
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Your support makes all the difference.Max Verstappen was crowned F1 World Champion for the fourth time as the Dutchman finished above title rival Lando Norris at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver won his fourth straight title with two races to spare, as Norris can no longer catch Verstappen in the standings after he could only finish sixth.
Verstappen, meanwhile, finished fifth behind the Mercedes pair of George Russell, who won from pole, and Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished third and second for Ferrari.
The 27-year-old has eight race wins this season, including a dominant run at the start of the year, but Norris closed the gap over the second half of the campaign. However, Verstappen delivered a crucial win in Brazil last week and produced another stellar drive in Las Vegas to retain the world title.
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Max Verstappen wins F1 world title!
There is delight for Mercedes, meanwhile, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton enjoying the one-two.
“Viva Las Vegas!” Russell shouts on his team radio. Hamilton was driver of the day, coming from 10th to finish second on the podium.
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Max Verstappen wins F1 world title!
Here’s Max Verstappen’s first words as world champion!
“Oh my god, what a season! Four times! Thank you guys, it was more difficult than last year but we pulled through. Thank you so much guys.”
“They said it wasn’t possible but thanks to you guys it is, so well done again,” the Dutchman adds.
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Max Verstappen wins F1 world title!
A one-two for Mercededs with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton first and second.
But MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE F1 WORLD TITLE FOR A FOURTH TIME!
Relief and celebrations in the Red Bull garage! It’s been a difficult season but the Dutchman has been the star, and he has delivered again tonight.
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Max Verstappen closes on title (Lap 50/50)
FINAL LAP! Norris came out ahead of Piastri in sixth. Max Verstappen is fifth, and that’s all that matters for the title!
History will be made on the streets of Vegas.
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: George Russell closes on win (Lap 48/50)
This will be George Russell’s second win of the season, and a very impressive one out in front from pole.
This is all going to be about one man, though, when the chequered flag comes out. Sylvester Stallone will do the honours in Vegas.
Norris, meanwhile, has pitted for an attempt at fastest lap.
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Charles Leclerc passes Max Verstappen (Lap 46/50)
Leclerc finally gets the move done to take fourth!
But with Verstappen in fifth, it still stands that the Red Bull driver will claim the title with Norris in sixth!
At the front, Russell’s lead is now 5.6 seconds to Lewis Hamilton!
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Perez
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Carlos Sainz up to P3! (Lap 42/50)
Sainz makes the move on Verstappen down the back straight and the Red Bull doesn’t put up too much of a fight!
But Verstappen is fighting to keep fourth from Leclerc!
Sainz up to P3!
At the front, Hamilton cuts the gap to Russell to 5.7 seconds. He couldn’t, could he?!
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Lewis Hamilton chasing down George Russell (Lap 38/50)
Could Lewis Hamilton somehow win this race?!
He has cut the gap to Russell to eight seconds.
Verstappen now has the Ferrari pairing of Sainz and Leclerc on his tail.
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Alonso
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: George Russell pits (Lap 33/50)
Lo and behold, Russell dives into the pits and comes out still in first, 11 seconds clear of Lewis Hamilton in second.
What a dream night this is turning into for Mercedes!
Max Verstappen is third, 15 seconds ahead of Lando Norris in seventh. So the title is looking good for the Red Bull driver too!
F1 Las Vegas GP LIVE: Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc pit (Lap 32/50)
Norris pits and drops to seventh, while Leclerc pits and drops to fourth.
Lewis Hamilton cruises past Max Verstappen on superior tyres to take second!
Russell yet to pit a second time but it is now a whopping 32 seconds clear in front!
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, Norris, Perez, Zhou, Piastri
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