This article is part of '.the other side of the truck” series, delving into the surrounding scene, charm, and culture that make up the Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen's come-from-behind victory from 17th on the grid at Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix will go down as one of the most important victories of his F1 career.
Not only did it end a 10-race winless streak (virtually a lifetime by Verstappen's standards), but the victory marked Verstappen's fourth World Championship, as Lando Norris fell back from pole position and was only able to finish in 6th place. He was on the brink of winning the championship.
It was a major change of power and extinguished any hope that Norris could keep the title race alive until the final race in Abu Dhabi. And now Verstappen could be crowned champion at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23rd.
Last year marked a major milestone for F1 when racing was held along the famous Las Vegas Strip for the first time. The sport spent more than $500 million making the event a reality, including building a new permanent paddock to serve as its home base in the United States and serving as the promoter to run the Grand Prix. The circuit ensured that the famous strip and sphere were incorporated, creating a spectacular visual event against the night sky.
Despite a difficult start to the race weekend due to first practice cancellations and scheduling frustrations, Las Vegas turned out to be one of the best races of the season, including a battle for the lead that lasted until the final lap and universal acclaim. Ta. High speed street track layout.
Verstappen, who had criticized the race early on as “99 per cent show and 1 per cent sporting event'', sang “Viva Las Vegas'' on the radio after crossing the line. Even he accepted the sight, which doubled as authenticity. vegas.
There are plans to ease some of the off-track demands on drivers and place more emphasis on the local community, but the current state of the championship means Las Vegas has a chance of securing a place in F1 history. It means.
Unlike last year, when Verstappen won the title in Qatar four races ago, Las Vegas now has to consider how to prepare for the crowning of the four-time world champion.
And the organizers will likely make it a memorable victory celebration.
Max Verstappen greets fans ahead of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
How can Verstappen win the championship in Las Vegas?
There is a simple scenario for Verstappen to win the championship in Las Vegas by beating Norris in Saturday night's race.
Verstappen is 62 points behind, with 86 points remaining in the drivers' championship. If he leads Norris by 60 points by the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend, the title race will be over.
Norris was in good form as a driver ahead of a difficult Sunday in Brazil, and a win in Las Vegas would allow him to retain his championship next week in Qatar. As long as Verstappen doesn't finish at the back and earn a fastest lap bonus point, he can avoid being stripped of the title by finishing second or third. If Norris finishes between fourth and seventh, he will need to cross the line two places behind Verstappen to continue in the championship.
As a result of the reshuffle, Norris will have to beat Verstappen by three points to advance to Qatar.
If Norris can deliver a similar dominant performance to his one in Singapore, where he won F1's latest street race by 20 seconds, plans for a victory celebration in Las Vegas will take to the ice. Probably. Verstappen will aim to win his second consecutive title in Qatar.
But the team to watch in Las Vegas is Ferrari. Charles Leclerc led his team to a 1-2 finish at last month's American Grand Prix, while teammate Carlos Sainz claimed a commanding victory in Mexico. The Las Vegas track layout, with some tight and technical corners, should suit the strengths of Ferrari cars, as well as the Mexican circuit. Leclerc took pole position at Las Vegas last year and continued to fight for the win until the end, overtaking Sergio Perez on the final lap to take second place.
Given Ferrari's form and Red Bull's recent struggles in dry conditions, it is far from certain that Verstappen will win the title in Las Vegas. After the race in Brazil, where the wet weather definitely helped his situation, Verstappen looked more optimistic about his team's performance than he has been lately.
“I am confident that we can compete again in the remaining three races, especially in races where we will be even more competitive,” he said.
Las Vegas dream scenario
Every Grand Prix would love the status of being a championship-winning race. However, the idea of Verstappen winning the championship in Las Vegas will excite many within F1.
Last year's inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a major commercial success for both F1 and the city, despite criticism from local groups over the disruption caused by the start of the race and complaints from some fans over the entry fees.
A Clark County study reported an estimated economic impact of $1.5 billion, more than half of which is supported by tourist spending. From a broader cultural perspective, Saturday's prime-time slot starting at 10pm PT will juxtapose F1 with Las Vegas' top-class sporting facilities and boast celebrity attention that takes the race beyond its usual coverage. Ta.
Panoramic view of the fireworks after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Clive Mason/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Las Vegas wanted to host a different show than previous F1 shows. As impressive as this race was as seen on TV and to those on the ground, there was no substitute for the accomplishments on the track. Even if it ended with Verstappen again, it was an epic race with lots of overtakes and a fight for the win. It was a win, excited fans, and meant the event lived up to quite a bit of hype.
The competitive situation in F1 has improved compared to 2023, when Verstappen's victory was all but accepted as part of the process, and is already providing a boost for some circuits. Bobby Epstein, chairman of Austin's Circuit of the Americas, said the circuit saw an increase in ticket sales for October's U.S. Grand Prix when Verstappen's 2024 victory ended this summer. In the end, it was a sold-out event.
The same boost will likely help Las Vegas. Race organizers have always maintained that Las Vegas is often a last-minute market, and there were late marketing moves ahead of this year's race, which begins in earnest with 100 days left. The increased interest in the final stages of the match may accelerate with the possibility of it becoming a championship match.
It also gives race organizers the opportunity to give their victory celebrations a distinctly Las Vegas feel. Following on from last year's Grand Prix, the top three competitors will be chauffeured in a limousine from Parc Fermé to Bellagio, where they will be interviewed in front of the famous fountain before returning to the grid for an award ceremony with a massive fireworks display over the city. A ceremony was held. .
Given the involvement of the local casino partners in this event and their penchant for upscale hospitality and luxury when appropriate, being a part of a potential championship celebration is very appealing. Given that it's not a sure thing for Verstappen, how thoroughly he prepares to mark a championship win will involve a certain amount of gambling, as befits Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is banking on the fact that it has a “strategy” and didn't need the disruption of last year to complete the track for its second year. Currently, we are focusing on accessibility and want to make the race accessible to everyone. But given F1's hard work in organizing the race, and the heated spotlight that fell on Las Vegas last year, the addition of a champion's coronation to what has become a classic season inevitably means big money. It will be the source. There's a lot of excitement for the organizers and the fans who plan to attend.
For Verstappen, he doesn't care where the championship is won. As long as he does it.
“I just want to run a clean race until the end,” he said after his victory in Brazil. “I'm not thinking about winning the championship in Las Vegas or anything like that. I just want to have a clean race.”
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Top photo: Chris Gracen/Getty Images
