Max Verstappen has once again etched his name in the annals of Formula 1 history by clinching his fourth consecutive title, demonstrating a level of dominance that places him among the sport's elite. The awards ceremony, held in Kigali, Rwanda, was a landmark event, marking the first time the gala was hosted on the African continent. The significance of this location was not lost on the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem sharing the stage with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to celebrate the occasion.
This victory aligns Verstappen with an exclusive group of only six drivers who have achieved four or more titles since the championship's inception in 1950. The Dutch phenom's reaction was as composed as his on-track demeanor, stating, "It's amazing, four titles is definitely incredible. Of course, I also hope it doesn't stop here. I hope we can be successful for a longer period of time."
A Historic Venue and Ambitious Future
Kigali's successful hosting of such a major event could set the stage for Rwanda’s ambition to host a Formula 1 race in the future. The country is considering a bid, and the presence of influential figures from the FIA could indicate a serious step towards this goal. The introduction of Formula 1 to Rwanda would undoubtedly enhance the sport's global footprint, bringing an exciting new dimension to the racing calendar.
McLaren's Resurgence
Meanwhile, McLaren’s triumph in the constructors' championship marked their first victory in this competition in 26 years, underscoring a significant resurgence for the storied team. Verstappen reflected candidly on the season, contending, "Of course we're not standing here as constructors' champions. In a way, I do think we deserved a little bit more in that championship. I tried my very best and we also know a lot where we have to work on for next year."
His comments underscore the fiercely competitive nature of this year's championship, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling future. Verstappen anticipates changes, noting, "This year the competition is very close, but then again in 2026 a lot is going to change."
Recognition and New Opportunities
Adding to the evening's excitement was the awarding of the "Action of the Year" title to Sergio Pérez, celebrated for his audacious overtake maneuver in China. His accomplishment stands alongside other remarkable personal and team achievements. Moreover, the young and talented Gabriel Bortoleto was named Rookie of the Year. This accolade is just a prelude to his ascension to Formula 1 as he joins Sauber next year, an opportunity that promises to further enrich the racing spectacle. Such new talents entering the field nurture the competitive spirit and perpetuate the evolution of the sport.
Finally, regulatory changes loom on the horizon for 2026, setting the stage for potential shifts in team dynamics and competition strategies. Reflecting on these prospects, Verstappen expressed an enthusiasm for the upcoming era, "I'm very excited about that as well because it does look like it's going to be a proper fight between a lot of teams."
As the sun sets on another exhilarating season, the echoes of Kigali's applause still reverberate in the Formula 1 community. Max Verstappen’s triumph is both a celebration of his remarkable journey thus far and a harbinger of future battles that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The emergence of new locales, strategic shifts, and budding talents is poised to shape a riveting future for the pinnacle of motor racing.