The neon lights of Las Vegas once again illuminate the Formula 1 stage as the sport returns to the Strip for the second time this year, marking the first leg of a season-ending triple-header. The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix promises a weekend of high-octane racing and off-track drama, with championship titles still up for grabs amid an already fiercely competitive season.
Verstappen on the Cusp of F1 History:
Max Verstappen, fresh off a masterful wet-weather victory in Brazil, stands on the precipice of joining an elite club. Only five drivers – Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel – have achieved the feat of winning four or more world championships. Verstappen has his first opportunity to become the sixth this weekend in Las Vegas.
With a commanding 62-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris and only 86 points remaining in the season, Verstappen needs only to finish ahead of Norris to secure the title. Even if he doesn’t, a finish within a certain margin would secure the championship with two races to spare. However, the challenge remains significant. While dominant in Brazil’s wet conditions, questions persist about Red Bull’s dry-weather pace relative to McLaren and Ferrari, giving Norris a glimmer of hope to delay Verstappen’s coronation.
The irony is not lost on Verstappen, who last year voiced his reservations about the Vegas circuit, deeming it a “99 percent show, one percent sporting event.” Yet, he celebrated his victory with a post-race rendition of “Viva Las Vegas” on team radio. This year, will it be “We Are the Champions” echoing after the race?
McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship Bid:
While Norris’s title hopes may have dwindled in Brazil, McLaren’s main goal – securing the Constructors’ Championship – remains firmly within reach. Their one-two finish in the Sprint race solidified their lead over Ferrari to 36 points, despite Red Bull gaining ground. With ample points still available, McLaren is poised to take a significant step towards their first Constructors’ crown since 1998 with a strong showing in Las Vegas, but the race is far from over. Their battle with Ferrari and a surging Alpine team continues to make for compelling viewing.
The incredible performance of Alpine in Brazil, moving them from ninth to sixth place, has significant financial implications. Maintaining their position in the final three races would earn them a significant increase in prize money. However, Haas and Red Bull Bull Racing remain close contenders, making the fight for sixth place even more exciting.
A Second Act in Sin City:
Last year’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix wasn’t without its challenges. A loose drain cover damaged Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, leading to significant delays and disruptions. Despite these early setbacks, the race itself proved to be exciting and action-packed. This year, the 3.85-mile street circuit remains unchanged, promising more thrilling racing action past iconic landmarks. The addition of the Ferrari Challenge adds another layer of excitement for fans.
Beyond the racing, Las Vegas provides a vibrant off-track experience with a star-studded entertainment lineup featuring Ludacris, Alesso, and OneRepublic performing at the fan zone.
FIA Under Scrutiny:
The FIA’s recent activities have cast a shadow over the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The unexpected departure of race director Niels Wittich, coupled with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association’s (GPDA) public criticism of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s handling of recent controversies, raises significant questions about the governing body’s leadership. The GPDA’s statement strongly criticized Ben Sulayem’s communication style and the FIA’s approach to minor infractions. The lack of public response from the FIA further intensifies the scrutiny.
Driver Market Changes:
The Las Vegas Grand Prix also marks the beginning of the end for several drivers. Lewis Hamilton is set to conclude his illustrious career with Mercedes. Other drivers like Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu are also leaving their current teams. Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull remains uncertain despite the extension to his contract, as the driver continues to struggle to match the performance of his teammate Verstappen.
Race Schedule:
The Sky Sports F1 schedule for the Las Vegas Grand Prix is as follows:
*
Thursday, November 21:
4am – Drivers’ Press Conference*
Friday, November 22:
2am – Practice One; 4.30am – Team Principals’ Press Conference; 5.45am – Practice Two*
Saturday, November 23:
2.15am – Practice Three; 5am – Qualifying build-up; 6am – Qualifying*
