2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix Recap

By Ryan Wu

Well, this result certainly will not be staying in Vegas. Lando Norris, who initially finished second, and Oscar Piastri, who originally finished fourth, were both disqualified after the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend. With Max Verstappen taking the win, he is now level with Piastri at 366 points while Norris remains ahead on 390 points.

Norris can still clinch the World Championship next weekend in Qatar if he finishes the weekend, which includes a sprint, at least two points ahead of both Verstappen and Piastri.

Norris had been 30 points clear of Piastri and 42 ahead of Verstappen after the race, but post race scrutiny found that both his and Piastri’s rearmost skidplates were below the 9 millimeter minimum limit. The last time this happened was in Shanghai when Lewis Hamilton’s skidplate was found to be below the limit.

Verstappen’s Clutch Win

With a win, Max Verstappen drastically improved his chances of securing a fifth straight Championship. He capitalized on Norris running wide in turn one to take the lead, a position he would hold for the entire evening. Verstappen also pitted much later than many of the drivers around him, stopping for a set of hard tires on lap 25, which was three laps later than Norris and eight laps later than Russell. He rejoined the race still in the lead.

George Russell challenged the Dutchman throughout the night, and it was only after Russell was overtaken by Norris with 16 laps remaining that Verstappen looked firmly on course for another victory in Las Vegas. Norris ultimately could not catch him, and he was instructed by his engineer to lift and coast, which made the final gap of 20 seconds seem deceptively comfortable for Verstappen. In reality, it had been a spirited race and the reigning World Champion earned every bit of this victory.

Ferrari Responds

Lewis Hamilton’s weekend was once again looking like it was heading towards ‘nightmare’ territory as he started at the tail end of the pack in 19th (only Yuki Tsunoda was worse, having to start from the pit lane) but he drove valiantly and finished 8th. Charles Leclerc added to their points haul with a fourth place finish and Ferrari now find themselves 13 points back of Red Bull for third in the Constructors standings.

Racing Refresh Driver of the Day

Max Verstappen, Red Bull

Final Points Finishing Positions

1st: Max Verstappen

2nd: George Russell

3rd: Kimi Antonelli

4th: Charles Leclerc

5th: Carlos Sainz

6th: Isack Hadjar

7th: Nico Hulkenberg

8th: Lewis Hamilton

9th: Esteban Ocon

10th: Oliver Bearman

Next on the F1 Schedule:

Qatar Grand Prix: November 28th-30th