Max Verstappen has been nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year, following another dominant Formula 1 campaign.

The Red Bull driver previously won the award in 2022, becoming the first Dutch driver to do so. And in 2024, he secured his fourth consecutive championship, earning his place alongside the likes of Sebastian Vettel. Now, he stands by some of the world’s greatest athletes as a nominee.

Verstappen’s 2024 season began with force, with the Dutchman winning the first five races and seven of the opening ten. However, as the season progressed, he faced growing competition from McLaren’s Lando Norris as Red Bull’s early advantage began to fade. Despite a troublesome car, Verstappen wrapped up the Drivers’ Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix with two rounds to spare.

Elite Competition for World Sportsman of the Year

Verstappen faces stiff competition for the 2025 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. Some of the biggest names in global sport are also in contention. 

• Carlos Alcaraz – The Spanish tennis star won both the French Open and Wimbledon, securing his place among the world’s elite.
• Léon Marchand – The French swimmer dominated the Paris Olympics, winning four gold medals.
• Tadej Pogacar – The Slovenian cyclist claimed victories in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and the UCI World Championships.
• Mondo Duplantis – The Swedish pole vaulter won his second Olympic title and broke his world record for the eleventh time.

The Laureus World Sports Awards, sometimes referred to as the “Oscars of Sport,” has been running since 2000. Formula 1 has had its fair share of success, with Michael Schumacher winning it in both 2002 and 2004, Sebastian Vettel winning it in 2015, Lewis Hamilton in 2020.

Last year, Verstappen was beaten by football legend Lionel Messi.

McLaren in Contention for Laureus Team of the Year

McLaren has also been recognised with a Laureus Team of the Year nomination after claiming the F1 Constructors’ Championship for the first time in 26 years. They finished ahead of Ferrari by just 14 points, with Red Bull finishing third behind the Scuderia. 

They will compete against the following teams:

• Boston Celtics (NBA champions)
• FC Barcelona Women’s Team
• Real Madrid Men’s Team
• Spain Men’s Football Team
• United States Basketball Team

The awards winners will be announced at a ceremony in Madrid on April 21. McLaren will be hoping to follow in Mercedes’ footsteps after they won the Team of the Year award in 2018.