LAST YEAR when Formula 1 came to Las Vegas for this first time since 1982, both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships had long been sewn up. But despite the inconsequential nature of the race and the simplicity of the track, it was quite a spectacle. Kylie Minogue, Steve Aoki, and John Legend performed during a slightly bizarre opening ceremony, Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was damaged by an exploding drain cover, and the Las Vegas Sphere was lit up with the faces of the leading driver at the end of each session. The race itself was okay too, compared to many of that season. Verstappen eventually won, of course, but Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez finished within three seconds of the Champion. 

This year, the championship remains mathematically up for grabs, but not even the most optimistic of McLaren’s staff can truly believe they are still in with a shout. So that being said, what is left to play for?

First, race victories. This season has already seen seven race winners, the most since 2012 (8). An eighth winner is unlikely but far from impossible. Street circuits can cause surprises. Sergio Perez should be the fastest of the “other 13” on paper but he seems low on confidence and off the pace. Haas have been arguably the fifth fastest team in recent races and a home victory for the American team would be great for the sport in the States.

The seven previous winners will all fancy their chances too. Verstappen and Norris will be seeking to prove their dominance this weekend and get one over on the other. Oscar Piastri may now be allowed to race freely. The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc may be the closest challenger to those three – he took pole last year and the Scuderia have emerged as consistent contenders in the second half of the season. Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, may see this as the best chance of a grand prix victory for the foreseeable future. He might hold genuine belief that Williams have the ability to rise to the top again but that surely rests on the successful development of their 2026 car. Next year may be a struggle for Sainz. The Mercedes drivers seem less likely to top the podium but George Russell has been competitive and who would rule out one final Lewis Hamilton masterclass in Mercedes colours.

In the drivers’ standings, Norris may find himself under pressure from Leclerc for his second place, particularly if the Monegasque can deliver a similar performance this year as he did last. The Mercedes drivers are split by only two points and Lewis Hamilton won’t want to lose to George Russell for a second time. Nico Hulkenberg currently sits in the coveted last spot in the top-half, with RB’s Yuki Tsunoda trailing by just three points. Pierre Gasly is next after a barnstorming Brazilian Grand Prix. Tenth spot is still attainable for many.

The teams, however, will care most about the Constructors’ Championship as that is where the all-important prize money is earned. McLaren lead Ferrari by 46 points, who in turn sit just 13 points ahead of Red Bull. With a maximum of 147 points scorable in the last three races, that Championship remains hugely competitive. The battle is hotting up lower down the table too. Alpine’s superb performance at Interlagos saw them leapfrog Williams, RB, and Haas into sixth place. Only five points separate the all-French team from Haas and RB so the battle for the minor points will be crucial.

For some drivers, the next three races might be something of a farewell tour. Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Franco Colapinto are all without a drive at the moment, and Liam Lawson’s seat has not yet been confirmed. Those drivers will be racing primarily for pride, but also for the chance to be a third driver for one of the top teams next year, which may offer occasional opportunities to compete once more. For Bottas in particular the departure will be emotional. A veteran of 244 grands prix including ten victories, many have warmed to the Finn’s friendly personality and dry sense of humour. If he walks away from the sport, he will be missed.

And finally for Las Vegas, there is a lot at stake. The organisers were on the receiving end of some heavy criticism last year following the Sainz incident. The track must be free from imperfections this time around. Many also criticise the racing at street circuits, which can restrict overtaking. The long straight down the Vegas strip allowed for some wheel-to-wheel racing last year and more will be expected this. Furthermore, the temporary infrastructure required to host the race is an enormous burden on the locals and delivering a good race is essential to appease them. 

In conclusion, while the Drivers’ Championship may be effectively over, there remains a lot to play for. We know how quickly fortunes can change in Las Vegas.

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By Leon Parrott