Watch: Max Verstappen and title rival Lando Norris share a moment after the Red Bull driver seals his 4th world championship
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and title rival Lando Norris shared an endearing moment in the media pen ahead of their interviews after the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday night. The Dutch driver finished the race in P5, a place ahead of the McLaren driver, to bring home his fourth successive driver's championship.
Heading into the race, Verstappen just needed to finish ahead of Norris to secure the title and did so comfortably as the Woking-based team never looked in contention over 50 laps.
The drivers have got on well off the track, but have endured some testing moments in their friendship on the track this season. However, in a clip floating on social media, Lando Norris could be seen embracing Max Verstappen and sharing a laugh in the TV pen.
In his post-race interview with Sky Sports, Lando Norris was full of praise for his Dutch rival and said:
"Congrats to Max. Knowing the championship was 100 percent over, we always had a little hope inside but he drove an incredible season," Norris said. "When he had the quickest car, he dominated, when he didn't, he was still there and always in my heels. He made my life tough. We made his life tough I'm sure at times. But he drove a better season and of course a big congrats to him. That's the main thing."
Max Verstappen reflects on winning his fourth title at Las Vegas
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen recognized that it was a tough season for him after winning his fourth championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, given that he started the season winning seven of the first 10 races.
Speaking with F1TV in his post-race interview, the four-time F1 world champion reflected on a difficult period after an 'amazing' start to the season, saying:
"It’s been a long season. Of course, we started off amazing, it was almost like cruising but then we had a tough run. But as a team we kept it together, we kept working on improvement and we pulled over the line. I’m incredibly proud of everyone, what they have done for me."
"And to stand here as a four-time world champion is of course something that I never thought was possible. So, at the moment just feel relieved, in a way, but also very proud."
With the championship title sealed, Max Verstappen could further add to his win tally in the 2024 season in the remaining two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi set to take place in December.