The Las Vegas Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time in 41 years, and it was truly a race to remember. Under the dazzling neon lights and on the city’s iconic Strip, the sport’s elite drivers faced a brand-new, high-speed challenge. The night was charged with the kind of energy only Las Vegas can provide—and as the dust settled, it was Max Verstappen who rolled the dice and came out with a winning hand, capturing his 18th victory of the season.
Verstappen’s performance was a masterclass in resilience and skill. Despite receiving a penalty early in the race after a contentious opening lap battle with Charles Leclerc, the Dutchman carved his way back through the field. He traded places with his rivals, adapting quickly to the low-grip circuit and making crucial overtakes precisely when needed. By managing a late-race duel with Leclerc and holding off a rapid Sergio Pérez, Verstappen reaffirmed his dominance in a season that already borders on legendary.
This latest triumph marked Verstappen’s 125th Formula 1 podium, an astonishing achievement considering his relatively young age. With this result, he joins an elite group of drivers who have surpassed the century mark for podium finishes. But what makes his tally even more remarkable is his consistency and relentless pursuit of perfection, qualities that have driven Red Bull Racing to another unforgettable year. The synergy between Verstappen, his team, and the RB19 car has set a gold standard for modern era Formula 1.
Beyond Verstappen, the race itself delivered thrills all through the field. Charles Leclerc, whose pole position had ignited hopes of a Ferrari revival, managed to reclaim second place with a daring last-lap overtake on Pérez, producing one of the most decisive maneuvers of the weekend. For Ferrari, it was a bittersweet reminder of the heights the Scuderia can reach, combined with the frustrations of a season that has tested the team’s resolve. Still, Leclerc’s late charge was a testament to his fighting spirit and technical finesse.
Sergio Pérez, meanwhile, notched his 35th career podium and secured second place in the championship for Red Bull. This marked another milestone, as Red Bull celebrated their first ever 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Championship. Pérez’s performance under the scorching spotlights silenced some of his critics and solidified his standing within the team heading into the final rounds.
Elsewhere in the paddock, Esteban Ocon’s charge from 16th to 4th showcased both the strengths of Alpine and the unpredictable nature of Vegas. Ocon has carved out a reputation for delivering in chaotic conditions, and his performance here was no exception. Oscar Piastri, too, shone under pressure, using clever tire strategy to climb into the points and register the fastest lap late in the race—an achievement that marks him as a rising star to watch.
The spectacle was not without its disappointments. Stars like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso struggled, both forced into uncharacteristic mistakes early on. However, the high rates of overtaking and the unpredictable sequence of safety cars and restarts demonstrated that this new Las Vegas venue could become one of the most entertaining stops on the calendar for years to come.
Formula 1’s return to Las Vegas delivered on its promise of glitz, high drama, and fierce competition. For Verstappen, it was yet another night of history made, and for F1 fans, it was a spectacular show that elevated the sport’s global stage. With only the season finale in Abu Dhabi left, the anticipation grows. Las Vegas has set the bar high—both under the lights and in the record books.
