Max Verstappen, the 27-year-old Dutch racing driver, was honored with his fourth consecutive Formula One World Drivers’ Championship trophy at the FIA Awards Ceremony held in Kigali, Rwanda. This event marked the first time the ceremony took place on African soil, underscoring the continent’s growing significance in the motorsport arena.
During the ceremony, Verstappen received his trophy from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. In his acceptance speech, Verstappen expressed immense pride in his team’s performance throughout the season, 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.”
The 2024 season presented significant challenges for Red Bull Racing, with McLaren clinching the Constructors’ Championship, thereby ending Red Bull’s dominance in that category. Verstappen acknowledged the fierce competition and emphasized the team’s commitment to improvement, noting, “This year the competition is very close, but then again in 2026 a lot is going to change.”
Prior to the awards ceremony, Verstappen fulfilled a community service obligation imposed by the FIA. This sanction was a consequence of inappropriate language used during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. As part of his penalty, Verstappen participated in a motorsports grassroots development program in Kigali, engaging with young aspiring drivers. FIA President Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “This is the community service we need every single driver, champion, to do if we want to grow.”
The Kigali ceremony also featured other notable figures from the motorsport world. McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished second in the Drivers’ Championship, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who secured third place, were present to receive their respective accolades. Additionally, Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto was named Rookie of the Year, following his triumph in the Formula 2 Championship and his upcoming debut with Sauber in Formula One.
President Kagame’s involvement in the event was particularly significant, as he expressed Rwanda’s ambition to host a Formula One race in the future. This initiative could potentially mark the return of Formula One to the African continent after a hiatus of over three decades, with the last race being the South African Grand Prix in 1993.
Verstappen’s achievements have solidified his status among the elite in Formula One history, becoming one of only six drivers to secure four or more world titles since the championship’s inception in 1950. As the sport looks ahead to future seasons, the anticipation of increased competition and potential new venues like Rwanda adds to the excitement surrounding Formula One’s evolving narrative.
For a closer look at Verstappen’s community service activities in Rwanda, you can watch the follo
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