Max Verstappen received his fourth World Championship trophy at the 2024 FIA gala in Rwanda. The Dutchman had already secured the world title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but it was at this annual event that he was officially awarded his trophy. With his fourth world title, Verstappen joins an illustrious group. Only Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel have previously won the world championship four times.
The FIA gala is an annual event where awards are presented to the champions of various motorsports, from karting to rallying, of the past season. Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen also finally received his trophy on this evening. This marks the fourth time that the Dutchman has walked away with the biggest prize of the night.
“Each one is different, and that makes it special every time,” the Dutchman said ahead of the Gala. Verstappen is particularly proud that the struggles with the RB20 did not prevent him from winning the title this year. “It was a difficult year for us, so to stand here with the title, I am very proud.”
During the award ceremony itself, Verstappen was also asked how he feels about now belonging to the exclusive club of four-time world champions. “As a child, you dream of these kinds of things,” said Verstappen. “Sometimes you’re lucky in life, sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time and as a driver, you have to take advantage of that. It’s amazing, four titles is incredible. Of course, I hope it doesn’t stop here, that we can continue to be successful. A lot will change in 2026. For now, we should mainly enjoy the moment.
Brazil
Verstappen’s team boss, Christian Horner, is extremely proud of his star driver. “He has been incredible this year,” Horner praises Max Verstappen during the gala. “To achieve what he has achieved. Nine victories, eight pole positions, and winning the world championship. I think the race in Brazil was also one of his best races ever. We had a difficult car to tame this year, but he did it. Of his four world championships, this one is really very special.”
Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Pérez, also received accolades. The Mexican won the FIA Action of the Year award for his overtaking move on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz during the sprint race in São Paulo.
