Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance under the bright Nevada lights to win the Las Vegas Grand Prix and extend his faint hopes of challenging for the 2025 Formula 1 world title. The Red Bull driver was in complete control once he seized the lead on the opening lap, resisting pressure from behind and dictating the pace throughout the race.
Championship leader Lando Norris finished second, strengthening his position in the standings, while George Russell completed the podium for Mercedes. Oscar Piastri came home fourth, ensuring McLaren’s points haul remained strong as the season nears its conclusion.
However, the championship picture took a dramatic twist when the FIA announced an investigation into excessive skid block wear on both McLaren cars. Should either Norris or Piastri be found in breach of the regulations, disqualification is highly likely due to the strict nature of the rule. The final verdict could have major implications for the title battle.
Norris now leads Piastri by 30 points, with 58 still available across the final two race weekends in Qatar—where a sprint will feature—and Abu Dhabi. If he leaves Doha with a 26-point cushion, the Briton will seal his maiden world championship. For Verstappen, the mathematics remain difficult; he trails Norris by 42 points and would realistically need his rival to retire in one of the closing rounds to stay in contention.
The race hinged on the start, with Norris aggressively defending from pole but running too deep into the first corner. Verstappen capitalised immediately, taking the lead as Norris dropped to third behind Russell. From there, the Dutchman’s pace in dry conditions was unmatched. While tyre wear and fuel saving were concerns for several teams, Red Bull’s strategy allowed Verstappen to maintain control even on older tyres before his stop.
Norris managed a late move on Russell to reclaim second place and made an optimistic push to close the gap to Verstappen, but the Red Bull driver responded with a series of rapid laps to secure a comfortable victory. Piastri’s recovery to fourth, despite early contact and a drop to seventh, helped limit the damage to his title bid.
The Las Vegas weekend also saw Mercedes junior Doriane Pin clinch the 2025 F1 Academy crown after finishing fifth in the final race of the season, adding another chapter to her breakthrough campaign.
