George Russell claimed victory in the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 World Championship title. Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, cemented his status as a legend by becoming only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four world titles, joining greats like Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost. His fifth-place finish was enough to secure the championship, as rival Lando Norris failed to close the gap, needing three more points to keep his slim hopes alive.
Russell delivered a dominant performance, securing his second career win and leading Mercedes to their fourth victory this season. Starting strong and maintaining his position, Russell crossed the line ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, who climbed from tenth on the grid to complete a 1-2 finish for Mercedes. This marked their first double podium since the São Paulo Grand Prix in 2022, showcasing the team’s resilience amidst a challenging season.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz clinched third place, while teammate Charles Leclerc made a late move to finish fourth, overtaking Verstappen in the closing stages. McLaren struggled to find race pace, with Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing sixth and seventh, respectively, highlighting their inconsistency despite strong showings earlier in the season.
Haas benefited significantly from the race, with Nico Hulkenberg securing eighth place and earning crucial points in their battle for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. Yuki Tsunoda of RB Racing finished ninth, while Sergio Perez rounded out the top ten, salvaging a point after a disappointing qualifying session.
The race wasn’t without drama, as Pierre Gasly, who had started third, was forced to retire after 16 laps due to engine failure in his Alpine. Alex Albon of Williams also dropped out with drivetrain issues, adding to the list of mechanical retirements in Las Vegas.
While Russell celebrated a well-earned victory and Verstappen added another title to his growing legacy, the Las Vegas Grand Prix served as a reminder of the unpredictability of Formula 1. With just a few races left in the season, teams and drivers are pushing to leave their mark before the curtain falls on an eventful championship year.
