Max Verstappen dominates Las Vegas GP while Lando Norris extends championship lead with second place finish in Formula One
LAS VEGAS: Max Verstappen claimed a commanding victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday with a masterful performance.
The Red Bull driver seized the lead from pole-sitter Lando Norris on the opening corner and controlled the race throughout.
Verstappen secured his 69th career Grand Prix win, finishing more than 20 seconds clear of his nearest rival.
Norris finished second to strengthen his position in the championship standings with just two races remaining.
The McLaren driver now leads the championship with 408 points, 30 points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
Piastri finished fourth in the Las Vegas race behind Mercedes driver George Russell who claimed third place.
Saturday’s 50-lap race unfolded under cool, dry conditions following Friday’s rain-affected qualifying session.
Verstappen had described Friday’s treacherous conditions as “like driving on ice” during qualifying.
The improved weather allowed Verstappen to demonstrate his dominance from the start.
Norris attempted an aggressive blocking move against Verstappen immediately after the race start.
The maneuver backfired when Norris ran off the track, allowing Verstappen to take the lead.
Norris subsequently dropped to third position after being overtaken by Russell.
Verstappen remains mathematically in contention for a fifth consecutive championship despite trailing Norris by 42 points.
Norris arrived in Las Vegas following consecutive victories in Mexico and Sao Paulo.
The championship battle will continue at the season’s final two races. – AFP
