Max Verstappen Serenades Victory with ‘Viva Las Vegas’ at Thrilling Grand Prix
Feb
In a surprising turn of events, Max Verstappen, despite his initial reservations about the Las Vegas Grand Prix, transformed his skepticism into celebration by clinching his 18th victory of the season. Donning an Elvis Presley-inspired race suit, the Red Bull driver crossed the chequered flag singing the iconic “Viva Las Vegas,” showcasing a newfound affection for Sin City after a captivating night race.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, the first since the 1980s, faced criticism, including the cancellation of the first practice session due to a loose drain cover and Verstappen’s comments labeling the event as “99% show, 1% sport.” However, the race unfolded as a thrilling spectacle, with Verstappen securing a record-extending 18th win and Red Bull achieving a single-season record 20th race win.
Verstappen’s victory marked several milestones, making him the first to win three races in the same country in a season, having previously triumphed in Austin and Miami. Additionally, he now stands third on the all-time list for career wins, sharing the spot with Sebastian Vettel and trailing only Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Contrary to previous races, Verstappen faced a more challenging path to victory. Starting in second place, he overtook Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on lap 37, enduring a five-second penalty for an incident with Leclerc at the race start. Despite a damaged front wing from a late clash with George Russell and multiple safety cars, Verstappen emerged triumphant.
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen expressed, “It was definitely a lot of fun… a tough one.” He explained the penalty, stating, “I tried to go for it at the start. I think we both braked quite late, then I just ran out of grip, and we ended up a bit wide, so the stewards gave me a penalty for that.”
Leclerc secured second place, achieving his fifth podium finish of the season, while Perez’s overtaking on the final lap denied Red Bull a one-two finish. Perez’s second-place finish in the drivers’ championship ensures Red Bull’s first-ever one-two in the drivers’ championship.
Despite a disappointing performance from Mercedes, with Hamilton in seventh and Russell in eighth, the race boasted a star-studded audience, including celebrities like David Beckham and Brad Pitt. Pop star Justin Bieber waved the chequered flag, adding a touch of glamour to an already dazzling weekend.
Verstappen expressed excitement about returning to Las Vegas next year, hinting at the possibility of replicating the success of this memorable race.
