Max Verstappen is on the brink of making Formula 1 history as he aims for his fourth consecutive championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend. Unlike his dominant 2023 season, Verstappen’s 2024 journey has been one of highs and lows.
The Dutch driver started the season with seven wins in the first ten races, but the following ten races were riddled with setbacks. Meanwhile, the constructors’ championship remains a heated battle between McLaren (593 points), Ferrari (557 points), and Red Bull (544 points).
Although Lando Norris has only a slim chance of claiming the title, the fight between Ferrari and McLaren for second place will undoubtedly take center stage in Las Vegas. Ferrari, fresh off back-to-back wins at COTA and Mexico, is closing the gap to McLaren, hoping to secure their runner-up position.
Las Vegas: The Title Decider
Verstappen’s dominant victory at Interlagos solidified his grip on the title. With a 62-point lead and only three races remaining, Norris’ chances of overturning the deficit are virtually nonexistent.
However, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is shaping up to be an exciting spectacle. Ferrari has previously shown its strength here, with Charles Leclerc battling Verstappen fiercely last year and Carlos Sainz overcoming penalties to finish sixth. Could Las Vegas throw a twist into the championship narrative?
The Battle for Sixth
Further down the grid, the fight for sixth place in the constructors’ standings is equally intense. Alpine, Haas, and Red Bull Racing are locked in a close contest, with Alpine leading the way with 49 points, followed by Haas (46 points) and Red Bull Racing (44 points).
Oliver Bearman’s return to Haas at Interlagos was challenging, as the rookie driver finished 12th. Meanwhile, Kick Sauber has announced the departure of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu after the 2024 season, paving the way for Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2023 F3 champion and current F2 leader, to join the team in 2025.
Conclusion
Las Vegas promises to be more than just Verstappen’s crowning moment—it’s also a battleground for key rivalries. From the McLaren-Ferrari showdown to the tight fight for sixth place, this weekend’s race will be one for the books.
