Verstappen extends record streak at Las Vegas show
In the sea of lights of Las Vegas, show critic Max Verstappen extended his Formula 1 record series with his 18th win of the season. Despite a five-second penalty in the crash spectacle with three safety car phases, the world champion crowned his race to catch up in the gambler's paradise.
In front of the glittering backdrop of luxury hotels, the Red Bull driver relegated Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari to second place and drew level with Sebastian Vettel with his 53rd Grand Prix victory. Vice world champion Sergio Pérez finished third in the second Red Bull. Nico Hülkenberg did not finish in his Haas.
The show has to be right - especially in Las Vegas, where Formula 1 last raced in 1982. More than two hours before the start of the race, an announcer loudly introduced the drivers to the crowd on the start-finish straight before they climbed into street cruisers and celebrated from the grandstands.
Three-time world champion Verstappen, who had repeatedly criticized the eventization on this important weekend for the US Formula 1 rights holders, was by all accounts only moderately enthusiastic about the drivers' parade. His racing overall, modeled on the white costume of Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll", probably flattered him similarly on Saturday (local time).
After the starting grid had been cleared with a celeb density ranging from Shaquille O'Neal to Rihanna, the red lights went out - and the action began. Verstappen took the lead from Leclerc, who had secured his fifth pole position of the year, with a resolute maneuver on the very first corner. However, the world champion in the Red Bull slid off the track while overtaking with the Ferrari.
Verstappen was given a five-second penalty for pushing off the track. "Yes, that's good, send them my regards," Verstappen radioed caustically to race control at the penultimate of 22 races this season.
Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin, Valtteri Bottas in the Alfa Romeo and Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari spun on the fresh asphalt. The virtual safety car was deployed to remove debris from the track.
The real safety car was deployed on the fourth lap. Lando Norris lost control of his McLaren before turn twelve, spun, skidded along the guardrail and crashed into the barrier at the emergency exit. "I'm okay," the Englishman radioed, got out of his car on his own and was later examined in detail in hospital.
The thrilling opening race was to the liking of the organizers, who had embarrassed themselves in the opening training session. The first session was canceled after just 19 minutes due to the defective cover of a water shaft. The repairs took so long that the fan zones were cleared and the pilots completed the second training session in front of a ghostly backdrop at night.
A Las Vegas law firm has already filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of 35,000 day ticket holders. The claim is for around 30,000 dollars in damages per person. The organizers reported that the three days of the Grand Prix were sold out with 315,000 fans.
In the shadow of the oversized illuminated snow globe "Sphere", Verstappen complained about degrading tires after the restart. Leclerc took the lead on lap 16, the Red Bull dominator then came into the pits and served his penalty. Verstappen was now loaded and took up the chase.
After a collision between the Dutchman and Mercedes driver George Russell in the battle for fourth place, car parts flew onto the track on lap 25. "He steered into me," Verstappen radioed excitedly. The safety car came out again and Russell also had to serve a five-second penalty.
After the track was reopened, Leclerc lost the lead on lap 32 after a Verstappen-style overtaking maneuver by Pérez in the second Red Bull. Verstappen, meanwhile, continued to work his way forward and on the 37th of 50 laps was where he has almost always been this season: right at the front. Leclerc initially also lost second place, but overtook Pérez in the final meters.
In the excitement of GP Las Vegas, Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 champion, demonstrated his prowess once again, overtaking competitors and extending his record-breaking win streak to 18. During the race, Verstappen and Charles Leclerc engaged in a thrilling duel, with Verstappen ultimately securing victory in Formula 1's return to Las Vegas after 39 years.
Source: www.dpa.com
