By José Carlos Palma
Max Verstappen reaffirmed his trademark ruthlessness on Sunday as he stormed to victory at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver seized the lead immediately after pole-sitter Lando Norris misjudged the opening corner, a mistake that handed Verstappen control of the race from the very start. Once ahead, the four-time world champion never looked back, dominating the night on the iconic Las Vegas Strip to take his sixth win of the season and the 69th of his career.
George Russell delivered another strong performance for Mercedes, securing third place on the track. Kimi Antonelli crossed the line in fourth after a remarkable charge from seventeenth on the grid, although a five-second penalty for a jump start dropped him behind Charles Leclerc.
Oscar Piastri, second in the championship, ended another quiet afternoon in fifth place. This marked his fourth consecutive P5, although he moved up to fourth after Antonelli’s penalty. Gabriel Bortoleto saw his race end almost immediately. Starting from the back row, he braked too late into Turn 1 and slammed into Lance Stroll, eliminating both on the opening lap. Nico Hülkenberg bagged more valuable points for Sauber in ninth.
Ferrari managed to place both cars in the points. Charles Leclerc delivered a steady drive to take sixth while Lewis Hamilton salvaged tenth after starting last. Hamilton had been knocked out in Q1 and was already up to thirteenth by the end of lap one.
Carlos Sainz endured a tough afternoon despite starting third. The Williams driver slipped to seventh by the finish. His teammate Alexander Albon had been running competitively but collided with Hamilton during an attempted overtake. The contact earned him a five-second penalty shortly before he retired from the race.
Rookie sensation Isack Hadjar once again impressed. The Racing Bulls driver claimed eighth and strengthened his reputation as one of the strongest newcomers of the season.
However, the biggest twist of the weekend arrived hours after the checkered flag. Post-race scrutineering found both McLarens in breach of technical regulations. The wooden plank under each car’s floor showed excessive wear, leading to the disqualification of both Norris and Piastri.
The championship picture shifted instantly. Norris retained the lead with 390 points. Piastri and Verstappen moved into a tie for second on 366. With only 58 points still available and just 24 separating the top three, the title fight is set for a dramatic conclusion.
Formula 1 now heads to Qatar for the penultimate round of the season. The weekend will feature a Sprint format. Fans can expect rising tension as the championship contenders prepare for one of the most decisive moments of the year.
Final Classified Results, Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 (after penalties):
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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Honda RBPT
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George Russell, Mercedes
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Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
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Carlos Sainz, Williams Mercedes
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Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Honda RBPT
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Nico Hülkenberg, Sauber Ferrari
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Esteban Ocon, Haas Ferrari
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Oliver Bearman, Haas Ferrari
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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Mercedes
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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Honda RBPT
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Pierre Gasly, Alpine Renault
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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Honda RBPT
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Franco Colapinto, Alpine Renault
OUT) Alexander Albon, Williams Mercedes
OUT) Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber Ferrari
OUT) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Mercedes
DSQ) Lando Norris, McLaren Mercedes
DSQ) Oscar Piastri, McLaren Mercedes