Max Verstappen wins fourth F1 world title at Las Vegas Grand Prix after Lando Norris disappointment

But McLaren managed to close the gap to Red Bull during the summer with Norris making a fight of it heading into the final few races.

Verstappen went on a 10-race run without standing on top of the podium before putting in a sensational display in Sao Paulo last week to put him back in control.

That win in Brazil all but clinched his fourth world title as he just needed to finish ahead of Norris in Las Vegas to seal the deal.

McLaren appeared to be struggling to find pace around the streets of Las Vegas in free practice and Verstappen did what he needed to in qualifying by putting his Red Bull ahead of his championship rival.

There was a brief scare at the start of Sunday's race when Norris got off the line quicker than Verstappen, but the Dutchman managed to stay ahead.

Verstappen soon pulled away from Norris who was unable to respond, leaving the Red Bull driver in full control of his own destiny.

The 27-year-old put some daylight between him and Norris by overtaking the two Ferraris, but showed restraint by not getting involved in a battle for the win with the much faster Mercedes cars.

It was a perfect day for George Russell, who converted his pole position into a steady race victory.

And Lewis Hamilton proved some critics wrong by moving up from 10th on the grid to finish second in an impressive display.

Verstappen's job wasn't completely done heading into the final few laps as both Ferraris closed in.

Carlos Sainz got past Verstappen to take the final podium position with Charles Leclerc eventually making his move with just three laps remaining.

That left Verstappen ahead of Norris on track, but the McLaren driver was not close enough to mount a late challenge to take the championship fight into Qatar.

Verstappen would have been well aware that all he needed to do in Las Vegas was finish ahead of Norris and that's exactly what he did in crossing the line in fifth to become a four-time world champion.

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Only Juan Manuel Fangio, Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have now won more Drivers' Championships than Verstappen.

While Verstappen has wrapped things up in the Drivers' Championship, it's still all to play for in the Constructors' battle.