Max Verstappen makes history by winning the 50th Formula One race in the United States

Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Formula One race on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas by fending off Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes in the closing laps.

“You could see it was very close to the end!” After the race, Verstappen stated. "I had a lot of trouble braking."

Verstappen made Formula One history this month by winning his 15th Grand Prix of the year, matching his own record from the previous year. This was his third consecutive world title. Due to a mistake made during qualifying that upset the normal sequence, he began in sixth place.

Only four drivers have won at least 50 races: Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, and Hamilton. Verstappen becomes a member of this exclusive group with his 50th Grand Prix victory.

“It’s a great number. I’m very happy with it. Very proud of it,” Verstappen told reporters. “But yeah, let’s try to win a few more.”

Raucous jeers erupted from the audience during the podium ceremony following the US Grand Prix, as Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott handed Verstappen the winner's trophy.