Max Verstappen admitted he was “relieved” about it seal 2024 F1 world title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Verstappen finished the race in fifth, one place ahead of the nearest challenger Lando Norristo take the 2024 drivers’ title with two races to go.

That makes Verstappen the fifth man to win four titles in a row and the second Red Bull driver after Sebastian Vettel.

“It’s been a long season,” he said in Las Vegas. “We had a great start cruising, then we had a tough run. We held it together and worked on improvements. Unbelievably proud.

“Standing as a four-time world champion is not something I thought was possible. I feel relieved but also very proud.

“We started after a few tough years, we started with the new concept. To stand here four times world champion is incredible.

“It was a very challenging season, as a person it is sometimes very challenging. I had to be calm. This season taught me a lot of lessons, very proud of how we handled it as a team. It makes it a beautiful and special season.”

Asked about the possibility of winning five titles in a row next year, Verstappen said: “It will be a real battle between many cars.

“I’m hungry, but I’m going to enjoy this. We’ll go at it again next week.”