Max Verstappen dominated the Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking victory after McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified while closing to within 24 points of Norris in the championship, November 23.
Mercedes’ George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli were elevated to second and third after McLaren’s double disqualification, while Verstappen’s sixth win of the season tied him with Piastri in the championship standings.
Following the race, the current Drivers’ Championship standings see Lando Norris leading, with Oscar Piastri in second and Max Verstappen in third.
Furthermore, the sixth disqualification of the 2025 season was marked by McLaren’s penalties, with previous technical infringements affecting drivers Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hülkenberg, and Lewis Hamilton, though none had previously resulted in the loss of a podium finish until the Vegas event.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris briefly lost pace and fell behind George Russell before reclaiming second in the later stages, but was unable to challenge Verstappen and, ultimately, was disqualified.
Throughout the race, Verstappen maintained a flawless pace, gradually extending his advantage while Norris struggled to keep up before the disqualification was enforced.
Second and third places were secured by George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, respectively, despite minor issues with their cars, with Verstappen’s lead left unthreatened at any point.
Behind them, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Isack Hadjar completed the top six, having delivered strong and consistent drives from the midfield.
Points were rounded out in seventh and eighth by Nico Hülkenberg and Lewis Hamilton, with Hamilton’s climb from the back of the grid aided by a long opening stint on hard tyres.
Incidents and damage were battled through by other drivers, including Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman, Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto, who completed the classified finishers.
Retirement following early collisions affected Alex Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Lance Stroll, which shook up the opening lap order.
A tense run to the season finale is now set up by Verstappen’s commanding win as the championship fight is intensified, with momentum firmly placed on the reigning champion’s side.
Article by Mary Fiona Rubenecia