Russell wins in Vegas
Russell wins in Vegas, and Verstappen takes home the title.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Earning him his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship.
George Russell of Mercedes won the race after fending off a challenge from teammate Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time champion who started the race in tenth place and finished in second.
For the Dutchman, Verstappen’s position behind Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc’s Ferraris was more than sufficient.
Lando Norris, his title opponent, was only able to finish sixth for McLaren. Leaving him 63 points behind the Dutchman out of a possible 60 points.
Only Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio have won four championships before Verstappen. Who now joins Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel in that distinction.
Verstappen told his team over the radio, “What a season.” “We made it through, even though it was a little harder than previous season.”
“It is been a long season, and we started wonderful, almost like cruising, and then we had a tough run. But we kept it together as a team, kept working on improvements, and got it over the line,” he continued.
“I am somewhat relieved and proud to be standing here as a four-time world champion, something I never imagined possible.”
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc’s Ferraris finished third and fourth, respectively. Cutting their lead over McLaren in the constructors’ title to 24 points with two races remaining. In the last moments, Norris paused for new tires to complete the quickest lap, earning McLaren an additional point.
Verstappen led his competitor throughout a rather peaceful race. For the Red Bull driver as Russell seized the lead right away. Verstappen started the race one position ahead of Norris in fifth place on the grid.
Verstappen’s controlled effort was intended to help him win the championship as soon as possible. And he accomplished this with the same poise and composure that he has displayed throughout the year.
Leclerc, who went from fourth on the starting to second after Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and then. Sainz around the first two turns. Attempted to pursue Russell, who dominated the race from the front.
Russell extended his lead to seize charge of the race as Leclerc quarreled with the recuperating Sainz and. The Ferraris experienced tire issues before Mercedes and Verstappen.
Hamilton had a fantastic first stint. Driving quickly and maintaining the condition of his tires despite starting the race in 10th place.
Just after it, it passed Norris. After overtaking the red cars with a later pit stop. Verstappen was now second ahead of Sainz and Leclerc as the seven-time champion began to challenge the Ferraris.
However, Hamilton was unable to move past the red vehicles because his Mercedes lacked straight-line speed.
Rather, Hamilton used his speed to finish in second place when Mercedes made a second pit stop on lap 27. One lap ahead of Sainz and four laps ahead of Leclerc.
After a string of the fastest laps, he caught Verstappen and, on lap 31, he passed him on the straight.
On lap 32, Russell trailed Leclerc in, and for a few laps following his stop. Hamilton reduced his teammate’s advantage from 11.2 seconds to 7.4 in just seven laps.
However, it quickly became evident that Russell was in control of the race. And he guided Hamilton to a surprise one-two.
Following their last pit stops. The Ferraris behind them began to move in on Verstappen, and in the last ten laps. Both of them passed him.
His teammate Oscar Piastri finished seventh behind Norris, while Nico Hulkenberg of Haas. Yjuki Tsunoda of RB, and Sergio Pérez of Red Bull completed the top 10.
