Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Takes Historic 18th Victory in Las Vegas Grand Prix
In a thrilling night race in Las Vegas, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured his record-extending 18th victory of the season, matching Sebastian Vettel’s third-place position on the Formula One all-time winners’ list. Verstappen’s triumph marked his 53rd career win and sixth consecutive win, despite facing challenges throughout the race.
Verstappen’s victory was not without controversy. At the start of the race, he received a five-second penalty for forcing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc off track. Additionally, Verstappen was involved in a collision with Mercedes’ George Russell. However, these setbacks did not deter the determined driver as he fought his way through the field to claim the top spot.
Charles Leclerc finished in second place, showing immense resilience after starting on pole position. Leclerc battled for the lead, ultimately passing Sergio Perez on the final lap to deny Red Bull their seventh one-two finish of the season. It was a strong performance from Leclerc and his team, the only ones to beat Red Bull this season.
Red Bull’s win in Las Vegas also symbolized their 20th victory in 21 races, setting a new record for a single season. The race delivered high-speed excitement and showcased the potential of hosting a grand prix in Las Vegas, a city that hadn’t seen such an event since the 1980s.
Max Verstappen’s dominance was not limited to Las Vegas, as he completed a clean sweep of U.S. wins in 2023. Prior to his victory in Las Vegas, Verstappen secured wins in Miami and Austin, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Formula One.
Speaking after the race, Verstappen acknowledged the challenging nature of the event but also expressed his enjoyment. Despite the penalty and the need to overtake several cars, Verstappen described the race as definitely a lot of fun. Red Bull celebrated the victory by playing the iconic Elvis Presley song, Viva Las Vegas, over the team radio, with Verstappen joining in.
Charles Leclerc, although disappointed with not clinching the win, showed his fighting spirit and expressed his desire for victory over the radio. Leclerc’s performance solidified Ferrari’s position as the only team capable of challenging Red Bull this season.
The race also saw Mexican driver Sergio Perez narrowly miss out on a podium finish for the second race in a row. In Brazil, Perez was passed by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso on the last lap, while in Las Vegas, he was overtaken by Leclerc. However, Perez took consolation in securing second place in the championship, a feat achieved long ago by his Red Bull teammate.
Other notable performances included Esteban Ocon in fourth place for Alpine, Lance Stroll in fifth place for Aston Martin, and Carlos Sainz in sixth place for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, finished in seventh place for Mercedes.
With one race remaining in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari has closed the gap to second-placed Mercedes to just four points. The battle for second in the constructors’ championship promises to be intense in the final race of the season.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix showcased the challenges of racing on a unique track, with limited grip evident from the start. As Verstappen forced Leclerc wide to take the lead, other incidents also unfolded, including a collision involving Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas. McLaren’s Lando Norris crashed, prompting the deployment of the safety car.
Despite receiving a five-second penalty, Verstappen remained unfazed by the decision, displaying his determination to conquer the race. His subsequent pit stop and penalty did not hinder his progress, as he fought his way back to claim victory.
In summary, Max Verstappen’s exceptional performance in the Las Vegas Grand Prix solidified his place in Formula One history. Despite initial setbacks, his skill and determination carried him to a record-extending 18th victory of the season. The race showcased thrilling battles and proved that Vegas is a worthy host city for a grand prix. As the season reaches its climax in Abu Dhabi, the competition for second place in the constructors’ championship promises to be intense.
