‘Hope it doesn’t stop here’

Max Verstappen was honored at the FIA ​​gala on Friday evening for winning his fourth world title in Formula 1. The 27-year-old driver received the trophy on a festive evening in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Every year at the motorsport federation’s gala, all motorsport world champions are put in the spotlight. After a long evening full of speeches, Verstappen received… highlightvideos from the past racing season was the last to have the honor of taking the podium.

He was congratulated upon receiving the trophy by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who announced earlier in the day that he was committed to bringing Formula 1 to Africa.

With his fourth world title, Verstappen joined an exclusive group and is in a shared fourth place on the eternal Formula 1 rankings.

“That’s something you don’t even think about as a child. You look at such greats and think: I hope to be on a podium one day. But sometimes you are lucky in life and you are in the right place at the right time. Fortunately I was able to take advantage of that.”

“Of course I hope it doesn’t stop here. I want to be successful for longer, but I also know that the differences with the competitors have become smaller. A lot can change in the future and other teams will improve. We have to enjoy now this success, and then we’ll try again next season.”

Lando Norris, the number 2 of the world championship, spoke highly of Verstappen on the podium and got the audience laughing. At the decisive moments of the season, Norris’ statement was also repeated in Brazil, where in an angry mood he had accused Verstappen of “all luck, no talent”.

“I take that back. I would like to congratulate Max for what he has shown this season, especially in Brazil he was incredible. I am the first to admit that. To finish second behind Max is an achievement in itself. “

Earlier in the day, Verstappen had completed his community service imposed on him by the FIA ​​for swearing during a press conference. Between press conferences and the gala, Verstappen spoke to a group of students who are building a cross car.

According to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Verstappen, who was previously angry about his punishment, was “very happy” when he heard what his community service entailed. “What he is doing here will inspire young girls and boys who have ambitions in the racing world,” said Ben Sulayem.