Las Vegas Grand Prix analysis: Lando Norris in last-chance saloon in Sin City
After a diabolical display at the Brazilian GP last week that saw him finish sixth, Lando Norris may have missed his chance to overhaul Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship.
With Verstappen winning in Sao Paulo and only three races left in an enthralling season, Norris has it all to do under the bright lights in Las Vegas.
At the same time, McLaren will be looking to tighten their grip on the Constructors’ Championship.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce looks ahead to the Las Vegas GP and examines what Norris must do to keep his title chances alive.
Verstappen ends drought to keep Norris at bay
Verstappen had gone 10 races without a win before Brazil but finally put that tally to bed in Sao Paulo after starting in 17th place on the grid. In trademark fashion, he punched the air in delight as he grabbed a much-needed win.
The Dutchman now finds himself on 393 points in the race for the Drivers’ Championship, making it difficult but not impossible for Norris to surpass him.
With only 184 laps remaining in the season and Norris on form, the pressure was growing on Verstappen, but an impressive performance in wet conditions could end up being a defining moment in the Red Bull star’s quest for a fourth consecutive Championship.
The last month had seen a heated battle at the top of the standings as controversial five-second penalties were handed out to the two drivers at both the Mexican GP and the United States GP. Yet, while Norris has made it difficult for the reigning champion this season, Verstappen clearly retains the talent and tactical presence to compete and, more importantly, win.
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Norris misses the mark in Brazil
The wet and windy weather conditions in Sao Paulo certainly made for an interesting contest from a viewing perspective, with five drivers crashing out of the race, but Norris had a torrid time.
After a slight collision with George Russell on lap 34, the Brit could find no way back and must now be flawless over the final stretch of the season.
The McLaren driver is currently on 331 points, 62 points behind Verstappen in the Championship. As a result, Norris requires two race wins and a podium finish from three races to beat the Dutchman to the title.
Regardless of the outcome, this will go down as the best season of Norris’ career to date. With three wins, 12 podiums, and over 300 points to his name, he has dramatically improved on his 2023 form when he had amassed 195 points at the same stage.
Norris, however, will want more than mere statistical improvement. Having pushed the previously untouchable Verstappen so far, McLaren’s star driver will be desperate to end the season with nothing less than the Championship under his belt.
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McLaren lead the way as F1 continues to evolve
One positive Norris and his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri are almost certain to take from this season is winning the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren presently sit on 593 points, ahead of Ferrari on 557 and Red Bull Racing on 544.
Red Bull, in particular, have fallen behind of late, primarily due to Sergio Perez having what can best be described as a slight fall from grace in recent races. As a consequence, the Mexican has been linked with a move away from the Austrian outfit come the end of the season.
Overall, this F1 season has been a breath of fresh air. Competition has increased across the board with the likes of Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton all finishing in first place at some point in the campaign.
Next season is looking even brighter with Hamilton moving to Ferrari, Aston Martin under new management, and rookies Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto finding their feet in the sport.
So, if you are not on the bandwagon yet, this is the perfect time to kick your foot into gear and start following Formula 1.
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