Max Verstappen served his FIA punishment for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix in October before officially becoming F1 world champion for the fourth consecutive year.
At a press conference in Singapore, the Dutchman used a verbose expression when he described his Red Bull performance at the previous Grand Prix in Azerbaijan a week ago.
Verstappen was instructed to “do some work of public interest”. and it happened in Rwanda on Friday when he participated in a grassroots motorsport development program with the youth.
The 27-year-old was later recognized at the FIA Awards Gala and presented with the trophy by FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Verstappen was recognized at the FIA awards gala on Friday
Verstappen won nine grands prix during the 2024 season and amassed 437 points as he became one of only six drivers to win four or more titles since the championship’s inception in 1950.
“It’s amazing, four titles is incredible. Of course, I hope it doesn’t stop there. I hope we can be successful for a long time.
“The competition is very close this year, but again in 2026 a lot will change.”
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Nico Rosberg says it’s “so hard to be friends” when you’re fighting for the championship and that Lando Norris’ relationship with Verstappen could change.
Verstappen clinched the title with two rounds remaining at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking an unassailable lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Norris, who helped McLaren secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, collected his prize for finishing second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc brought home his third-place trophy.
Verstappen’s “Red Bull” teammate Sergio Perez, whose seat looks in jeopardy in 2025 after an extremely underwhelming seasonwas named the Act of the Year winner for the bypass in China, but did not attend the Rwanda gala.
