Red Bull star driver Max Verstappen was named Formula One 2024 world champion at the glamorous end-of-season prize giving gala held at BK Arena in Kigali on Friday, December 13.

Hosted in collaboration with Visit Rwanda and Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), the FIA Awards are held annually to celebrate top drivers, manufacturers, teams and legends from the FIA World Championships, while also highlighting the unsung heroes of the past twelve months.

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Verstappen received the trophy from president Paul Kagame as the Formula One champion, beating McLaren star Lando Norris and Frenchman Charles Lecrerc (Ferrari) who emerged second and third respectively.

The Dutchman admits, "This season, as you could see also in the [season highlights] video, was quite up and down. We had a great start to the year. Everything was looking great, especially from the outside.”

On his side, Norris said Verstappen had an easy campaign this season to win his fourth title of his career and hopes for the better in 2025.