RED BULL KNOW WHAT TO IMPROVE ON: MAX

Upbeat Verstappen receives drivers' trophy in Rwanda, a nation aiming to host F1 race

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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.