Laureus Sports Award nominations: Max Verstappen and McLaren F1 among elite contenders

Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 has once again earned him a nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award. The Dutchman, who secured his fourth consecutive F1 title in 2024, continues to etch his name among the sport’s greats. His latest nomination marks the fourth straight year he has been recognized by the Laureus Awards, an honor that cements his status as one of the world's top athletes.

The 2024 season began with Max Verstappen in imperious form, winning the first five races and seven of the opening ten. Despite a mid-season challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris as Red Bull’s initial dominance waned, Verstappen’s relentless consistency and raw talent ensured he clinched the championship with two races to spare at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. His ability to extract the best from his car, even when Red Bull faced struggles, was highlighted by a remarkable wet-weather victory from 17th on the grid in Brazil.

With this nomination, Verstappen hopes to join the elite club of multiple Laureus winners from Formula 1, including Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton. “It’s always an honor to be recognized among the best athletes in the world,” Verstappen has previously stated, and this year, he finds himself competing against a formidable field of sporting icons.
The road to the Laureus title will not be an easy one for Verstappen, as he faces a star-studded list of nominees:




Formula 1 has a rich history with the Laureus Awards, with past winners including Schumacher (2002, 2004), Vettel (2015), and Hamilton (2020). However, Verstappen was denied the honor last year by football legend Lionel Messi.
Adding to Formula 1’s presence at the ceremony, McLaren has been nominated for the Laureus Team of the Year award. Their resurgence saw them dethrone Red Bull and claim their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years, edging out Ferrari by just 14 points. They will face competition from sporting powerhouses like the Boston Celtics, Real Madrid, and the Spain Men’s Football Team.
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The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards will take place in Madrid on April 21, where Verstappen and McLaren will hope to add another chapter to Formula 1’s storied legacy at the prestigious event.