P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s disastrous Las Vegas GP record offers Verstappen glimmer of hope
McLaren might be dominating the drivers’ championship in 2025, but the papaya F1 team have not impressed in their previous outings at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Las Vegas Street Circuit only joined the F1 calendar in 2023, reflecting McLaren’s short yet disastrous track record in Nevada. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the top contenders this year for the world championship, with Norris currently leading the standings. As they head into the Saturday night race in Nevada, Norris holds a 24-point lead over Piastri and a 49-point advantage over Verstappen, who sits in third. Verstappen’s chances of retaining the title are at risk if he can’t gain enough points this weekend on the Vegas strip. If Verstappen fails to outscore Norris by nine or more points after the 50-lap race, he will mathematically lose his chance to retain his championship status. Despite McLaren’s poor performance at Las Vegas in the past, there is hope for Verstappen in the inconsistency of his rivals’ finishing positions at the Grand Prix under the Vegas lights.
