Max Verstappen seals fourth world title at Las Vegas GP as Russell holds off Hamilton
Max Verstappen crowned his fourth World Championship in Las Vegas.
Max Verstappen sealed his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship crown in Las Vegas on Sunday. He finished fifth, while George Russell held off a charging Lewis Hamilton to seal a Mercedes one-two.
Verstappen’s championship bid got off to the perfect start in Sin City. It took him just eight laps to move past Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc, putting two cars between himself and title rival Lando Norris.
Meanwhile, at the front, Russell stretched his legs after seeing off an early threat from Leclerc. After the first round of pit stops playing out, the Brit found himself 10 seconds clear, streaking towards a second Grand Prix victory of the season.
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Further back, his team-mate was on a charge. Hamilton started in P10 after a frustrating qualifying session but was the fastest man on track throughout the majority of the first half of the race. He quickly passed Norris and closed up to the back of a Ferrari train.
Hamilton triggered the undercut on lap 28, pitting along with Verstappen. Carlos Sainz attempted to come in but was told to stay out, forcing him to scamper over the white line at pit entry. When he came in the next lap, he emerged behind the rear of the Mercedes car.
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The seven-time world champion quickly arrived at the rear wing of former foe Verstappen, who was in position to claim a fourth title of his own. The Dutchman chose not to fight too hard as the Brit scythed past with the help of DRS on lap 32.
With his team-mate unleashed, Russell made his final stop on lap 32. He emerged 12 seconds clear of Hamilton, giving him a comfortable buffer as he chased down victory on the Las Vegas Strip. Four laps later, the deficit was under nine seconds, and at lap 40 the gap was hovering around seven.
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Hamilton's charge stalled out with the gap at five seconds as the veteran's tyres grained up and Russell pulled out some pace he'd been holding back. The 26-year-old took the chequered flag first, marking his territory as he prepares to lead the team into their new era in 2025.
