Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 25, 2023, overtaking championship leader Lando Norris early in the race and maintaining his lead throughout. The event showcased thrilling speeds, with Formula 1 cars racing down the Las Vegas Strip at over 215 miles per hour under dazzling lights, marking the third edition of this vibrant race.
Despite finishing second, Lando Norris extended his championship lead, accumulating 408 points in the 2025 season. His nearest rival, Oscar Piastri, who finished in fourth place, now holds 378 points. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, is positioned third with 366 points. “Simply lovely, that!” he exclaimed via team radio after crossing the finish line.
With only two races remaining in the season, including the upcoming Grand Prix in Qatar and another in Abu Dhabi, the championship battle remains intense. The Qatar race will feature a shortened “sprint” race, offering a maximum of 58 points for grabs. Verstappen emphasized the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s still a big gap. The upcoming weekends we’ll again try to win the race, and at the end of Abu Dhabi we’ll see where we end up.”
Norris, who started in pole position, lost two places at the start after an aggressive defensive maneuver led him to run wide on the first turn. Although he managed to overtake George Russell of Mercedes, he could not close the gap to Verstappen and had to manage his pace towards the end due to car issues. Russell ultimately secured third place. Reflecting on his start, Norris admitted, “I just braked too late. It was my eff-up. I just wanted to put on a show, right? That’s why we’re in Vegas!”
Economic Impact of the Grand Prix
Local leaders are optimistic that the race weekend will provide a significant boost to the Las Vegas economy, which has faced challenges this year due to rising costs and a decline in tourism. Last year’s Grand Prix reportedly generated an economic impact of $934 million. U.S. Representative Steven Horsford, who represents parts of Las Vegas, remarked, “It’s a very important event. We’re not just the entertainment capital; we’re the entertainment and sports capital. Having a marquee event like this on the Las Vegas Strip is great, and it does a lot for our economy.”
The Formula 1 organization aims to capitalize on its growing popularity in the United States, having secured races in Miami and Las Vegas, alongside the established Grand Prix in Austin. Additionally, F1 recently signed a five-year agreement with Apple, which will take over U.S. broadcast rights from ESPN starting next year.
Celebrity attendance added to the glamour of the event, with notable figures such as musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z, actors Ben Affleck, Michael Douglas, and Naomi Campbell, along with NBA stars Magic Johnson and Jimmy Butler. The event concluded with the top three finishers being driven to the podium in a pink LEGO-built Cadillac car, located at the Bellagio Fountain Club. Notably, Lewis Hamilton treated Beyoncé to a hot lap around the circuit before the race, further enhancing the event’s star-studded atmosphere.
Qualifying Challenges and Team Dynamics
The qualifying session on Friday was disrupted by rain, creating a slippery track that tested the skill of all drivers. Norris, who secured pole position, described the conditions as “nerve-wracking and scary.” He noted, “You’re just trying to keep it on the track. Not crash. Not take yourself out.” The rain-soaked session highlighted the unpredictability of the sport, with drivers expressing surprise that no significant crashes occurred.
The Las Vegas paddock was also alive with behind-the-scenes drama. Piastri faced scrutiny after mistakenly reposting an Instagram message claiming McLaren favored Norris due to his “high star quality.” Piastri later clarified that the repost was an error, stating, “I woke up this morning and saw it. So I don’t know, maybe I accidentally did it.” Such incidents have fueled speculation among fans regarding team favoritism, which McLaren denies.
Meanwhile, Ferrari drivers responded to comments made by Ferrari chairperson John Elkann, who suggested they should “talk less and focus on driving.” Critics interpreted this as a dig at both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton, especially following a season where Ferrari has struggled. Leclerc emphasized the importance of team unity, stating, “He loves Ferrari. I love Ferrari. We all love Ferrari.” Ferrari currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship race, competing closely with Mercedes and Red Bull.
As the season nears its conclusion, the focus remains on the upcoming races and the ongoing battle for the championship. Hamilton, who started from 20th position, showcased his determination by making significant gains during the race, ultimately finishing in 10th place. The excitement surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix underscores the sport’s growing appeal and the dramatic narratives unfolding in the 2025 season.
