F1 Las Vegas GP: Verstappen Dominates as Norris Secures Second
Key Takeaways
- Max Verstappen leads comfortably with 5 laps remaining
- Lando Norris overtakes George Russell for second place
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli defends P4 despite five-second penalty
- Strategic tyre management becomes race-defining factor
Max Verstappen appears set for victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, maintaining a commanding lead over Lando Norris in the closing stages. The Red Bull driver has controlled the race from the front, while Norris executed a spectacular overtake on George Russell to claim second position.
Race Dynamics Unfold
With just five laps remaining, Verstappen leads Norris by six seconds, with Russell a further 11.7 seconds behind in third. The race order appears largely settled, though strategic battles continue further down the field.
Norris made his decisive move on Russell at Turn 14, executing an impressive around-the-outside overtake after receiving team permission. “We’re going to get Max,” Norris was told by his race engineer, setting up a late charge that ultimately saw him close to within 5.4 seconds of the leader.
Midfield Battles Intensify
Andrea Kimi Antonelli finds himself at the center of attention, defending fourth position despite carrying a five-second penalty. The young driver has completed all but two laps on hard compound tyres, creating an intriguing strategic scenario.
Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc have been hunting down Antonelli, but the Italian has proven difficult to pass. Piastri attempted an overtake at Turn 14 on lap 38 but had to collect a moment of oversteer, bringing Leclerc into contention.
Team Radio Drama
“Let’s do whatever we’ve got to do,” Norris tells his race engineer.
“OK, just do more” comes the reply.
The exchange highlighted McLaren’s determination to challenge for victory, though Norris was later instructed to begin fuel-saving measures, costing him valuable time to Verstappen.
Strategic Masterclass
Verstappen’s race management proved decisive. After being instructed to “cease all management,” the Dutchman responded with the fastest lap of the race, extending his advantage when it mattered most.
Russell demonstrated strategic awareness, telling his pitwall: “I know Norris will be quick but I don’t want to risk the podium.” The Mercedes driver’s conservative approach secured him valuable championship points.
Further back, Nico Hulkenberg and Lewis Hamilton emerged as strategic outliers, having started on hard tyres before switching to mediums. Hamilton’s pace on fresh mediums proved disappointing, running a second and a half slower than his teammate on older hard compound rubber.
Late Race Developments
Alex Albon’s difficult race ended in retirement after his fourth pit stop, with Williams wheeling his car into the garage. The Thai driver had shown flashes of pace, setting the fastest lap on lap 27 before his retirement.
As the race enters its final laps, Verstappen appears secure for victory, with Norris consolidating second and Russell holding onto the final podium position. The battle for fourth between Antonelli, Piastri, and Leclerc promises late drama, with tyre management becoming the defining factor.
