Despite initial reservations about the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, known for his exceptional skill in Formula One racing, delivered an impressive performance on Saturday. Embracing the spirit of the event, he donned a race suit inspired by Elvis Presley and even sang “Viva Las Vegas,” one of the King of Rock and Roll’s iconic songs, as he triumphantly crossed the finish line first. This gesture seemed to symbolize a change of heart for Verstappen, indicating that he might have ultimately found a fondness for the glitz and glamour of Sin City, especially after a thrilling night race under its bright lights.
The Grand Prix in Las Vegas, the first since the 1980s, had its share of challenges and controversies. This included the cancellation of the first practice session due to a loose drain cover. Additionally, Verstappen’s earlier comments had sparked attention when he described the event as “99% show, 1% sport,” reflecting skepticism about the balance between entertainment and competitive racing. However, his victorious performance and celebratory actions suggest a more positive engagement with the event’s unique atmosphere.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix turned out to be a spectacular event, particularly highlighted by Max Verstappen’s remarkable achievement. He secured a record-extending 18th win of the season, contributing to Red Bull’s historic 20th race win in a single season. This feat not only cements Verstappen’s dominance in the current season but also marks him as the first driver to win three races in one country in a single season, having previously triumphed in Austin and Miami. With this victory, Verstappen now shares third place on the all-time list for career wins with Sebastian Vettel, trailing only behind Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen’s path to victory in Las Vegas, however, was not straightforward. Starting from the second position on the grid, he faced a challenging race, overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc only on lap 37 to gain the lead. His aggressive start, which resulted in pushing Leclerc off the track, earned him a five-second penalty, adding to the hurdles he had to overcome. Despite these challenges, including a damaged front wing from a late clash with George Russell and the presence of numerous safety cars, Verstappen managed to take control of the race towards the end.
Post-race, Verstappen described the event as “definitely a lot of fun” and recounted his early attempt to overtake Leclerc. While acknowledging the penalty he received for the maneuver, he expressed satisfaction with the race’s outcome.
Charles Leclerc finished in second place, marking his fifth podium finish of the season. He showcased his skill in the final lap by overtaking Sergio Perez, denying Red Bull the chance of a one-two finish. Nonetheless, Perez’s overall performance this season ensured him the second place in the drivers’ championship, allowing Red Bull to conclude the season with their drivers in the top two positions for the first time.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, while triumphant for some, was less so for the Mercedes team, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in seventh and George Russell in eighth place. Russell’s race was particularly eventful, as he was involved in a collision with Max Verstappen, resulting in a safety car deployment and a five-second penalty for Russell.
The event, true to its location, was a star-studded affair with an array of celebrities in attendance. Notable figures included David Beckham, the former captain of the England soccer team, and renowned Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The event’s glamorous aura was further heightened by pop star Justin Bieber, who had the honor of waving the chequered flag at the race’s conclusion.
Max Verstappen, reflecting on the event’s atmosphere and the audience’s enthusiasm, shared his enjoyment of the race and the response from the crowd. Speaking to F1, he expressed eagerness to return next year, hoping to replicate his success. This sentiment underlines the unique blend of competitive racing and entertainment that the Las Vegas Grand Prix offered, making it a memorable event for participants and spectators alike.
