Verstappen secures commanding victory at Las Vegas Grand Prix
Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing victory by almost 20 seconds over championship leader Lando Norris, reports BritPanorama.
The four-time world champion capitalised on an opening-lap error from the McLaren driver to claim his eighth consecutive podium finish. This victory marks Verstappen’s second win in four races and his second triumph on the Las Vegas street circuit in three years.
Despite the defeat, Norris retains his championship advantage with 42 points separating him from Verstappen as the season enters its final two rounds. Norris began from pole position but compromised his race within the opening corners. An overly aggressive defensive move against Verstappen led him to brake too late into the first corner hairpin.
“I f***** it up,” Norris admitted following the race. “I was too punchy, and it cost me.” This mistake allowed Verstappen to seize the lead while George Russell capitalised to move past Norris into second place.
Norris eventually reclaimed second place from Russell on lap 34 along the Las Vegas Boulevard, finding himself relegated to third position after starting from the front of the grid. In the championship standings, Norris maintains a healthy buffer over his rivals, holding 408 points, placing him 30 points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri on 378 points.
Verstappen’s victory elevates him to 366 points, reducing his deficit to 42 points behind Norris. With 58 points still available across the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix and the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the mathematics favour Norris significantly. The British driver requires only modest results to secure his maiden championship title, while both Piastri and Verstappen need exceptional circumstances to overturn the deficit.
Russell secured the final podium position for Mercedes, completing a solid performance that highlighted his consistent form this season. Piastri crossed the line in fourth place after Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received a five-second penalty for a false start, which dropped Antonelli to fifth.
“Great execution,” Verstappen told his Red Bull team over the radio after taking the chequered flag. He added: “Very happy, guys, well done.” Reflecting on the trajectory of the season, Verstappen remarked, “After Abu Dhabi, we will see where we end up. We have had some ups and downs and some beautiful moments, which is good for the years ahead.”
This race not only spotlighted Verstappen’s prowess but also underscored how swiftly fortunes can fluctuate in Formula 1—one moment you’re a pole-sitter, the next you’re battling to regain lost ground. As the season hurtles towards its grand finale, the tension in the air is palpable.
