This article says “beyond the tracks” The series explores the surrounding landscape, glamour, and culture that make up the Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen’s fightback from 17th on the grid to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday will go down as one of the most important victories of his Formula One career.
Not only did it extend his streak of 10 consecutive races without a win (almost a lifetime by Verstappen’s standards), but the victory also put Verstappen on the verge of winning a fourth world championship, as Lando Norris slipped from pole position and finished only sixth. Yes.
It was a huge power move that extinguished Norris’s hopes of continuing his title race all the way to the final in Abu Dhabi. And now Verstappen could become champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23.
Last year’s first race along the famous Las Vegas Strip was a major milestone for F1. The sport has spent more than $500 million to pull off the event, including building a new permanent paddock to serve as its home base in the United States and acting as promoter for the Grand Prix operations. The circuit incorporated the famous Strip and Sphere, creating a spectacular visual event against the night sky.
Despite a difficult start to the race weekend due to the cancellation of first practice and frustration with the schedule, Las Vegas was one of the best races of the season, with universal praise and a public fight for the lead that went down to the final lap. High speed street track layout.
Verstappen, who had initially criticized the race as being “99% show and 1% sporting event”, sang “Viva Las Vegas” over the radio after crossing the line. He even truly took in the doubled sight. Vegas.
There are plans to relax some of the off-track demands on drivers and focus more on local communities, but the current championship situation means Las Vegas has a chance to secure a place in F1 history.
Unlike last year when Verstappen won four races in Qatar, Las Vegas now has to consider how to prepare for Verstappen’s coronation as a four-time world champion.
And the organizers are likely to make this a memorable championship celebration.
Max Verstappen greets fans ahead of the 2023 Las Vegas GP. (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
How Verstappen Won in Las Vegas
Here’s a simple scenario in which Verstappen could win in Las Vegas: Beating Norris in Saturday night’s race.
Verstappen has secured 62 points and still has 86 points remaining in the Drivers’ Championship. If he has a 60-point lead over Norris by the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend, the title race is over.
Norris, who was a meticulous driver before a difficult Sunday in Brazil, can continue his championship run in Qatar next week by winning in Las Vegas. Unless Verstappen falls behind and wins the fastest lap bonus point, a second or third place finish could prevent him from losing the title. If Norris finishes between fourth and seventh, he will need to cross the line two places clear of Verstappen to retain the championship.
The result of the permutation of venues is that Norris needs to be three points ahead of Verstappen to qualify for Qatar.
If Norris can dominate like he did in Singapore (F1’s most recent street race, where he won by 20 seconds), he could make plans for the championship celebrations in Las Vegas. Verstappen faces the prospect of winning the title in Qatar for the second year in a row.
However, the team to watch in Las Vegas is Ferrari. Charles Leclerc led the team to a 1-2 finish at last month’s United States Grand Prix before teammate Carlos Sainz claimed victory in Mexico. The Las Vegas track layout, with its tight and technical corners, should suit the strengths of the Ferrari cars in a similar way to the Mexican circuit. Leclerc took pole position in Las Vegas last year and battled for victory until the closing stages, eventually overtaking Sergio Pérez on the final lap to take second place.
Ferrari’s form and Red Bull’s recent struggles in dry conditions mean Verstappen is far from certain of winning in Las Vegas. After the race in Brazil, where the wet weather certainly helped his situation, Verstappen seemed more optimistic about his team’s performance than he has recently.
“I am confident in the last three races that we can fight again. “Especially in races where we will be more competitive,” he said.
Las Vegas dream scenario
Any Grand Prix would love its status as a race to be won. But the thought of Verstappen winning in Las Vegas will excite many within F1.
Despite criticism from local groups over the disruption caused by the race’s conduct and frustration from some fans over the cost of attendance, last year’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a huge commercial success for both F1 and the city.
Clark County’s study estimates an economic impact of $1.5 billion, more than half of which would come from visitor spending. From a broader cultural perspective, the prime-time Saturday night slot starting at 10pm PT on Fridays places F1 alongside some of Las Vegas’ best sports facilities and attracts celebrity attention to the race beyond the scope of typical coverage. boasted.
A general view of the fireworks after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Clive Mason/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Las Vegas wanted to put on a show unlike anything F1 had ever seen. As impressive as the racing was on TV and on the ground, there was no substitute for the on-track product. It was a spectacular race, with many overtakes and an open fight for victory. Although it ended up being another Verstappen. It was a win, it got the fans excited and it meant the event lived up to its fair share of hype.
The improved competitive landscape in F1 has already resulted in an uptick at several circuits compared to 2023, when Verstappen’s victory was almost accepted as part of the proceedings. Bobby Epstein, chairman of Austin-based Circuit of The Americas, said ticket sales for October’s U.S. GP surged when Verstappen’s 2024 win ended this summer. It ended up being a sold-out event.
That same boost is likely to help Las Vegas. Race organizers have always maintained that Las Vegas is often a last-minute market, and there has been a marketing push for this year’s race that began in earnest just before the 100-day mark. The build-up of late interest could accelerate with the possibility of it being a championship decider.
It will also provide race organizers with the opportunity to add a distinct Las Vegas feel to any championship celebration. Following last year’s Grand Prix, the top three finishers were taken in a limousine from Parc Ferme to Bellagio, where they were interviewed in front of the famous fountains before returning to the grid for a podium ceremony with huge fireworks set off across the city. .
Taking into account the involvement of local casinos as partners for the event and the preference for high-end hospitality and luxury where necessary, participation in the potential championship celebrations will be very attractive. Given that victory is far from a sure thing for Verstappen, how thorough the preparations will be to celebrate a championship victory will involve a degree of gambling, as befits Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is banking on the fact that it has a “playbook” and didn’t need the same kind of disruption as last year to complete its second year on the track. Now we want to focus on accessibility and make this a race for everyone. But given F1’s Herculean efforts to make the race happen and the hot spotlight placed on Las Vegas last year, adding the crowning of a champion to what has been a classic season will inevitably be a big source of sauce. It’s sure to be a treat for the organizers and fans planning to attend.
As for Verstappen, he doesn’t care where the championship is won. As long as he does.
“I want a clean race until the end,” he said after winning in Brazil. “I have no intention of winning in Vegas. I just want a clean race.”
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Top photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
