Max Verstappen’s victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix might prove decisive for the Formula One (F1) driver, being one of the most important wins in his career. The 17-gap comeback was a turning point as it ended a 10-race streak without a win and it placed Verstappen on a brink of claiming his fourth world championship title. Verstappen may be crowned champion at the upcoming Las Vegas Grant Prix on November 23, a landmark event for the F1 that’s been truly spectacular despite initial organizational and scheduling challenges.
The Las Vegas race is gaining in significance following Verstappen’s achievement in Brazil. If the Dutch driver manages to beat Lando Norris in the upcoming Saturday race, he’ll have a considerable lead of 60 points out of the remaining 86, marking the end of the title race. Norris, however, stands a chance to keep the championship going to the subsequent event in Qatar if he wins or places second or third in Las Vegas, granted Verstappen doesn’t secure the fastest lap bonus point.
While Norris still holds some chance of spoiling Verstappen’s Las Vegas victory, Ferrari team is also one to watch. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz delivered an impressive performance at the recent US Grand Prix and the Mexican race, bringing Ferrari much-needed victories. The configuration of the Las Vegas track could play to Ferrari’s strengths, making Verstappen’s championship win in Las Vegas yet uncertain.
Regardless of the uncertainty, the idea of hosting a championship win is welcomed by many within F1. Despite the criticism and disruption caused by the race preparation, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix saw tremendous commercial success, boosting the local economy and the F1 image. The primetime Saturday night event created a celebrity appeal and secured substantial financial gains, as reported by the study conducted by Clark County.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers also managed to pull off a spectacular show, offering many unmatchable on-track maneuvers and an open competition for the victory, which pathed the way for another Verstappen win. Bobby Epstein, chairman of The Americas in Austin, reported that the end of Verstappen’s domination streak sparked an increase in ticket sales for the United States GP in October. The upcoming Las Vegas championship might catalyze a late interest, providing an opportunity for distinctly themed Las Vegas celebrations.
The mood surrounding the upcoming Las Vegas event is intensifying, promising a race enjoyed by everyone. Las Vegas, for the second year running, doesn’t require significant disruptions to accommodate the track. Despite the colossal effort F1 invested for the race and the enormous spotlight Las Vegas rested under in the last year, if the race becomes the crowning event of the champion in what is already regarded as a classic season, the excitement to the organizers and the fans is bound to be enormous. Verstappen, however, remains indifferent to the location of the event, keen only on winning clean races.
