It was here, under the dazzling lights of Sin City, as Las Vegas is nicknamed, that Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 (F1) world championship in 2024. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, on Saturday, November 22 (the race starts at 8 pm local time, 5 am Sunday in Paris), will likely

not crown a new champion this time: British driver Lando Norris, who currently leads the drivers’ standings, cannot mathematically secure the title in Nevada.

With three Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining this season, Norris leads his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, by 24 points (390 points to 366 for Piastri), with a maximum of 83 points still up for grabs. Even if Norris were to win in Las Vegas and Piastri failed to score any points, Norris would only have a 49-point lead over his closest rival: not enough to claim the final trophy, but enough to have it within reach.

Trailing the leader by 49 points ahead of this third American race of the season, Verstappen (341 points) would need a miracle to retain his title. The Dutch Red Bull driver must win the race – and hope for a disastrous weekend for McLaren. The first two editions of the Grand Prix did not favor the British team. Norris was forced to retire in 2023 and finished sixth in 2024. “Races in Las Vegas have been tough,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t give it everything… I’m ready for one last big push.”

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