Formula 1 returns to the big screen with three teams slugging it out to put themselves in front of the Constructors Standings. In a city dripping with jewels, slotting coins for the lucky number 7, the Las Vegas Grand Prix becomes the tip of the spear of the triple-header weekend to those who bet all their chips on black to get ahead in the standings.
McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull have all shown that they can hit the double-six and take a victory but have all had their fair share of snake eyes this season. The results have brought all three teams close to a three-way fight, with 49 points separating them. Now, we have three of the final cards left in the Formula 1 deck. The next one to draw is Las Vegas.
But before we roll the dice on who is most likely to win in Las Vegas, let’s start with how we got here. Simply, we can date back to the aftermath of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Red Bull Down, But Not Out
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Brazilian Grand Prix demonstrated that Red Bull and Max Verstappen would not be forgotten. Starting 17th, the three-time world champion proved why he is deserving of his consecutive titles. The Flying Dutchman rolled the dice to stay out while his rivals pitted in front of him. A gamble that paid off.
Verstappen finished ahead of his closest constructors rival, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), by 30 seconds and Lando Norris (McLaren) a second behind the scarlet red driver.
One could say that Verstappen was not a threat to Norris achieving the win in Brazil. But with high risk comes high reward, and McLaren stumps where Red Bull wasn’t afraid. Regarding the momentum charge, Red Bull leads the way heading into the start of the final triple-header.
Last season in Las Vegas, Red Bull dominated the first inaugural race in Nevada. So, Physiologically, Red Bull is ahead of McLaren and Ferrari as both teams are contending with their unique set of challenges.
Ferrari’s Scales are Unbalanced
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter Ferrari’s Brazilian Grand Prix, the scales within the Fiorano-based team became unbalanced, and they were also left with concerns.
The Scarlet Red team finished 30 seconds behind their rival, which raises alarm bells about whether Ferrari’s SF-24 is on par with Red Bull or is beginning to fall behind in the developmental race.
Charles Leclerc finished 5th while his Spanish team-mate retired, only bringing 10 points home. With one driver operating and the other trying to find his footing again, it becomes difficult to regain balance, especially with Carlos Sainz heading to Williams in 2025.
Last season, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was on par with Red Bull, especially with the Monogasque’s last-lap dash to relieve Red Bull of a 1-2 victory in Las Vegas, overtaking Sergio Perez before Turn 14 with the help of DRS. In contrast, Carlos Sainz finished sixth behind Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.
So, for Ferrari to perform as a cohesive unit, dethrone McLaren, and keep Red Bull behind, both drivers need to be in the fight to claim the first constructors title since 2008.
McLaren Lead But Need Momentum
Embed from Getty ImagesMcLaren is the definition of low-risk and playing safe, which has left them as the third-best team coming out of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Norris left São Paulo distraught, finishing sixth, with his team-mate Oscar Piastri finishing eighth. McLaren has the fastest car on the grid, but this performance left a rain cloud over the Woking team.
After the red flag, Lando’s momentum kept plummeting. On lap 34, the Brit ran wide at Turn 4, losing fourth to George Russell. Twelve laps later, Norris had the chance to regain his composure. But a reversal of fortune struck the number four driver. He went wide going into Turn 1 at the restart of Lap 43, falling to seventh. But he reached sixth after the team told Piastri to relinquish sixth.
Last season, McLaren had the worst Las Vegas Grand Prix. Norris retired on Lap 2, with Piastri crossing the line tenth with the fastest lap.
So, McLaren’s past, including the last race and their last venture in Las Vegas, bleeds with demoralisation. For the Papaya team to maintain their momentum at the top of the standings, McLaren must come to Nevada with a fresh mind and a new sense of drive if they want to reclaim their constructor’s title from 1998.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Fastest-Lap Point To Be Dropped From 2025 Indefinitely!” or “Max Verstappen to Become World Champion in Las Vegas?”