A cinematic backdrop for a high-stakes race
At night, in the heart of the Strip, the Las Vegas layout features long straights, heavy braking zones, and clear overtaking opportunities.
This 2025 edition had all the makings of a blockbuster: a title battle between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen, a resurgent Mercedes, and increasing pressure on Ferrari, Williams, and the rest of the pack.
The lights, hotels, and giant screens provided a backdrop to a race where every point counted in the championship battle.
Verstappen dominant, Mercedes opportunistic
At the start, Max Verstappen quickly takes charge and sets a pace that few drivers can maintain over the long haul. The Dutchman controls the race, manages restarts, and minimizes risks while remaining untouchable at the front.
Behind him,George Russelldelivers a solid performance for Mercedes, clocking fast laps and managing tires well. His young teammate Kimi Antonelliconfirms his rise with another high-level result, giving Mercedes a double top-three finish after recalculations.
Charles LeclercandLewis Hamiltonkeep Ferrari in the mix: the Monegasque maximizes the pace of the SF-25 on this street circuit, while Hamilton climbs into the top 10 after a race built lap by lap.
AtWilliams, Carlos Sainzcontinues to prove he is one of the most consistent drivers on the grid, extracting the maximum from an improving car.
The midfield on fire: Hadjar, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Bearman, Alonso…
In the midfield, several drivers animated the race:
-
Isack Hadjarachieves a notable result with Racing Bulls, scoring big points after a clean and aggressive race.
-
Nico Hülkenbergplaces the Sauber in the top 10, proving that the Swiss team can still seize the right strategic opportunities.
-
Esteban OconandOliver Bearmanbring home valuable double points for Haas, taking advantage of the chaos around McLaren to climb the rankings.
-
Fernando Alonsobrings the Aston Martin across the finish line in points, whileYuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Liam LawsonandFranco Colapintocomplete a field where every position was fiercely contested.
Alex Albon, Gabriel BortoletoandLance Strolldid not see the finish, victims of incidents and problems that ended their races before the chequered flag.
The bombshell: double disqualification for McLaren
The real shock cameafter the finish..
Following technical checks, both McLarens ofLando NorrisandOscar Piastriweredisqualifiedfor excessive wear on the skid block.
This penalty erases their initial positions in the top rankings and redistributes all points from the Grand Prix.
Sportingly, this is a heavy blow for McLaren, leaving Las Vegas empty-handed while both drivers had confirmed their status as title contenders on track.
For Verstappen, Russell, Antonelli, Leclerc, Sainz, Hadjar, Hülkenberg, Hamilton, Ocon, Bearman, and others, this decision turns a solid race into a major points operation.
New face in the drivers' standings
Despite leaving Las Vegas with a scoreless race,Lando Norrisremains at the top of the championship.
But his lead has shrunk:
-
Norris retains first place with a reduced cushion over his pursuers.
-
Oscar PiastriandMax Verstappenare now in close pursuit, just a few dozen points behind the Brit.
-
Behind this trio,George Russellemerges as a serious outsider, benefiting from Mercedes' consistency.
-
Charles LeclercandLewis Hamiltonstay within the top of the standings, but at a distance that forces them to rely on lucky breaks to catch up.
After Las Vegas, the psychological dynamics change: Norris stays in control, but Verstappen and Piastri can still turn the season around in the last two rounds.
A completely revitalized constructors' championship
In the team standings,McLarenholds a comfortable lead built throughout the season. However, the double disqualification in Las Vegas leaves its mark:
-
McLaren remains well ahead but has let slip a significant number of points that could have secured the title.
-
Mercedescloses the gap thanks to the double result from Russell and Antonelli.
-
Red Bullalso benefits from Verstappen's victory to stay in the race.
-
Ferrarisolidifies its position in the top four, driven by Leclerc and Hamilton.
-
Williams, Racing Bulls, Haas, Aston Martin, Sauber, and Alpineare engaged in a tight battle for honor positions, where each top 10 finish, as seen in Las Vegas, carries significant weight.
This Grand Prix thus not only transforms the drivers' championship landscape but also adds stakes to the constructors' battle.
Conclusion: Las Vegas, a turning point in the season
The Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 will be remembered as one of the pivotal moments of the season:
a controlled victory by Max Verstappen, a massive rebound for Mercedes, a densely packed field… and a historical penalty for McLaren.
With two races to go, nothing is set:
Norris is still in the lead, but Verstappen and Piastri are hot on his heels, while Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari see further opportunities to turn the tide in the constructors' battle.
The remainder of the championship looks set to be explosive.