Red Bull’s Max Verstappen collects his champion’s trophy in Rwanda, which aims to host F1 race

KIGALI – Rwandan President Paul Kagame joined Max Verstappen on stage when the Red Bull driver collected the Formula One champion’s trophy for the fourth year in a row, at an awards ceremony held in Africa for the first time on Dec 13.

The 27-year-old was handed the trophy by governing body International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem alongside Mr Kagame at the gala in Kigali.

Verstappen, who is one of only six drivers to have won four or more titles since the championship started in 1950, said he was proud of his season and everyone in the team.

“It’s amazing, four titles is definitely incredible. Of course, I also hope it doesn’t stop here. I hope we can be successful for a longer period of time. This year the competition is very close but, then again, in 2026 a lot is going to change,” he said.

McLaren won the constructors’ title for the first time in 26 years, ending Red Bull’s two-year reign.

“Of course, we’re not standing here as constructors’ champions. In a way, I do think we deserved a little bit more in that championship. I tried my very best, and we also know a lot where we have to work on for next year,” added Verstappen.

“I’m very excited about that as well because it does look like it’s going to be a proper fight between a lot of teams.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris congratulated Verstappen and looked forward to stepping up the battle in 2025.

Brazilian F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, who will be making his debut with Sauber in Formula One in 2025, was named Rookie of the Year.

Verstappen’s Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, whose future at Red Bull remains uncertain after a dismal season, did not attend but was voted Action of the Year winner for an overtake in China.

The Dutchman earlier attended a motor sports grassroots development programme with young people as an obligatory “work of public interest” as punishment for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix in September.

At the gala, President Kagame also revealed that Rwanda would bid to host a Formula One race in the capital Kigali.

The African Great Lakes nation has been actively pursuing plans to host an F1 grand prix, aiming to return the sport to Africa for the first time since 1993. It is the latest step in the country’s broader strategy to use sports to enhance economic growth, tourism and global visibility – denounced by critics of Mr Kagame’s government as “sportswashing”.

“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula One grand prix,” he said at the opening of FIA general assembly.

The Rwandan leader welcomed the event being held on the continent as an “important milestone”.

The general assembly signalled the “goal of the motor sports industry to connect directly with fans and aspiring drivers in Africa,” he said.

“It all comes down to respect and giving everyone the chance to contribute where they can.”

In August, Formula One chiefs confirmed talks with Rwanda over hosting a grand prix, with chief Stefano Domenicali saying the country was a “serious” option. He told Motorsport.com Kigali had presented a serious plan, and that the race would be held on a permanent track.

Meanwhile, Red Bull-owned RB Formula One team will compete as Racing Bulls next season, FIA confirmed on Dec 13.

The former AlphaTauri, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Minardi team started the 2024 season with the cumbersome name of Visa Cash App RB – shortened to VCARB or just RB – but will now be Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

Italy-based RB had denied in January that the initials stood for Racing Bulls, despite that being the registered company name.

Team chief Peter Bayer recognised at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December that there had been some confusion.

“We’ve been struggling to a certain extent with making it clear to people what the team name is, and seen so many versions. In January, it all happened within weeks and we’ve been probably rushing a couple of things,” he said. REUTERS