Formula 1’s 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Race Review
Verstappen Adds his 4th Jewel to His Championship Crown
The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix set the stage for one of the most electrifying weekends in Formula 1, blending high-octane racing with the glamour of the world-famous Strip—the third-ever iteration of this iconic race delivered on its promise of drama. George Russell led the charge under the glitz of neon lights to claim a pole position that would later become a commanding victory.
From the pulse-pounding action of qualifying to a race night filled with strategic gambles, unexpected twists, and a historic fourth world championship for Max Verstappen, Las Vegas offered fans a weekend to remember. This review delves into all the key moments, from Russell’s brilliance to Verstappen’s coronation, capturing the essence of a Grand Prix that perfectly encapsulated the spectacle and unpredictability of Formula 1.
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Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying Recap
Under the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, George Russell delivered a stellar performance to claim pole position for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. During Friday night’s dramatic qualifying session, the Mercedes driver clocked a blistering lap of 1:32.312, edging Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz by just under a tenth of a second. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly continued his strong form with an impressive third-place finish, building on the team’s recent double podium in Sao Paulo.
Charles Leclerc secured fourth for Ferrari, while championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are set to start on the third row in fifth and sixth. Yuki Tsunoda impressed with seventh for RB, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg, and Lewis Hamilton, who struggled with mistakes during both Q3 runs.
The session wasn’t without drama. Franco Colapinto’s heavy crash in Q2 left debris scattered across the track, sidelining the Williams driver in 14th. Sergio Perez endured another qualifying disappointment, exiting in Q1 with a lackluster 16th-place finish. Aston Martin’s struggles continued, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll qualifying 17th and 20th, respectively.
With Russell back on pole for the first time since Silverstone, Mercedes will look to capitalize on their pace under the neon lights as teams prepare for Saturday night’s highly anticipated race.
Las Vegas Grand Prix Race Day
The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered a spectacle befitting the city’s glamour, with George Russell taking a commanding victory in a Mercedes one-two and Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship. The race under the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip Circuit was filled with drama, strategic gambles, and brilliant performances, keeping fans on edge until the chequered flag.
Russell, starting from pole, maintained his position through the opening laps despite a strong challenge from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Managing cool and slippery conditions masterfully, Russell demonstrated his skill and composure as he navigated through pit-stop strategies and late-race pressures. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, delivered a remarkable recovery drive from 10th on the grid to secure second place, capping off a dominant performance for Mercedes. Hamilton showcased his class with well-timed overtakes and a late charge to ensure the team’s first one-two finish since the Belgian Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third place, benefitting from excellent tire management and capitalizing on the struggles of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who fell to fourth after an aggressive start, which led to early tire wear. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, focused on a calculated drive, knowing fifth place was enough to clinch his fourth world title. Verstappen strategically avoided unnecessary risks and allowed both Ferraris to pass in the closing stages, prioritizing the championship over the race result.
Lando Norris finished sixth for McLaren, securing the fastest lap in the final moments to add a consolation point to his tally. Teammate Oscar Piastri crossed the line seventh, but a penalty for a false start earlier in the race marred his performance. Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg took eighth, overtaking Yuki Tsunoda late in the race to bolster Haas’s battle for sixth in the constructors’ standings. Sergio Perez salvaged a single point for Red Bull with a 10th-place finish, overcoming early struggles to climb into the points.
The race wasn’t without heartbreak. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who started third, suffered a technical failure while running in a strong position, forcing him to retire and dealing a blow to Alpine’s hopes in the constructors’ championship. Williams driver Alex Albon also retired with mechanical issues, while Franco Colapinto finished in 13th after starting from the pit lane following a heavy crash in qualifying.
Verstappen Becomes a Legend of Formula 1
For Max Verstappen, the night celebrated yet another stellar season. His championship win marked him as one of Formula 1’s all-time greats, joining the elite club of drivers with four world titles. “It’s been a long season, and to stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought was possible,” Verstappen said. The moment was shared with his Red Bull team, who celebrated their driver’s historic achievement despite their challenges during the race.
With just two races left in the season, the battle for constructors’ standings remains fierce as teams focus on the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend. The championship drama continues under the lights of Lusail International Circuit, where drivers and teams will push for a strong finish to an already unforgettable season.
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