Rwandan President Paul Kagame shared the stage with Max Verstappen as the Red Bull driver received the Formula One champion’s trophy for the fourth consecutive year during an awards ceremony held in Africa for the first time on Friday.
The 27-year-old received the trophy from International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, alongside Kagame, who confirmed Rwanda’s interest in hosting a race at the gala in Kigali.
Among only six drivers to win four or more titles since the championship’s inception in 1950, Verstappen expressed pride in his season and the entire team.
“It’s fantastic; winning four titles is truly remarkable. Naturally, I hope this won’t be the end. I aim for us to maintain success for an extended period,” he said.
McLaren claimed the constructors’ title for the first time in 26 years, ending Red Bull’s dominance.
“Of course, we’re not here as constructors’ champions. In a way, I believe we deserved a bit more in that championship. I put in my utmost effort, and we know the areas we need to improve for next year,” Verstappen added.
Earlier, the Dutch driver participated in a grassroots motorsport development program with young people as part of the mandatory “public service work” for his punishment for swearing during the Singapore Grand Prix in October.
Verstappen’s Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, whose future with Red Bull is uncertain following a challenging season, was absent but received the Action of the Year award for a notable overtake in China.
