And so there were four. Late on Sunday night in the giddy lights of Las VegasA city in the desert of Nevada, USA. It is known for its casinos and gambling culture. , Max VerstappenA Belgian-Dutch driver. His father also raced in Formula 1. cruised into his fourth consecutive Formula OneThe top international car racing series. World Championship.

Although he crossed the finish line in fifth at the Las Vegas Grand PrixA French term meaning "Great Prize". It was originally applied to a horse race, the Grand Prix de Paris. There are around 20 Formula 1 races per season, each called the Grand Prix of the country or region it is held in., he had already built up such a commanding lead over his nearest rival, British McLaren driver Lando Norris, that his win is now assured with two races left to go in the season.

But for many, Verstappen's true victory is not yet another title. He has long made it clear that he disdains F1. Earlier this year, he indicated he might leave the sport for good.¹

They think Verstappen's real triumph is the moral victory he has won over himself.

Earlier in his career, Verstappen had a reputation as the spoilt prince of F1. His father, Jos Verstappen, who still manages his son, was a racer himself.

The elder Verstappen is famously bad-tempered, facing several allegations of violent assault.² Some felt this left its mark on Max.

Whenever things were not going his way he would blame it on the engineers, the weather, decisions by racing authorities, other drivers - anyone but himself.

The ferocity of his rivalry with all-time great Lewis Hamilton in 2021 put his first Championship title in that year under a cloud.

At the Italian Grand Prix in 2021, Verstappen caused a storm of controversy when he simply walked away from a collision with Hamilton without checking that his rival, who was stuck under the Red Bull car, was unhurt. Most experts agreed Verstappen was responsible for the crash.³

The bad blood quickly became public as they and their teams traded often juvenile barbs.

This year, however, Verstappen is a changed man. Although his car, which he calls a "monster", has run into technical difficulties that have cost him several races, he has shrugged it off, rather than ranting at his team like he used to.

When Norris began nipping at his heels this season, rather than letting it poison their relationship as it did with Hamilton, Verstappen was fulsome in his praise for his rival.⁴

Some think this new, humble, generous Verstappen is not just a better person, but also a better racer.

Is character more important than talent?

Yes: People of bad character will only ever be hated for their success. All the trophies in the world are worthless if one does not have the respect and affection of others.

No: The truth is that people love a bad boy as long as he is also a winner. Verstappen was wildly popular when he was still a sulky kid. There is little premium on being a good person in sports.

Or... Verstappen has matured as his star has become ascendantRising. . It is likely that talent is helping him to improve his character. Perhaps his new character will likewise refine his talent.