Max Verstappen can secure his fourth consecutive Formula One world championship if he beats Lando Norris in Las Vegas this weekend. Norris needs to earn at least three more points than Verstappen, requiring a top-eight finish to keep the title race alive and delay the inevitable until the Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen holds a commanding 62-point lead, with only 60 points still up for grabs after Las Vegas, meaning he can afford to lose two points to Norris and still win the championship based on his superior number of victories.
Verstappen, who won in Las Vegas last season despite a five-second penalty and a collision, is poised to further cement his dominance. "This is the final push for everyone," Verstappen said as he prepares for the season’s final three races. Las Vegas, a fast circuit with long straights and plenty of overtaking opportunities, presents another chance for Verstappen to prove his superiority, after a stellar performance last year.
Meanwhile, Norris, who finished sixth in Brazil despite starting from pole, is also focused on McLaren’s constructors' championship pursuit. The team currently holds a 36-point lead over Ferrari, with McLaren seeking its first constructors' title since 1998. Ferrari, aiming for their first title since 2008, is still in the hunt, though Red Bull, despite a recent win, remains a factor. As the battle for the constructors' championship intensifies, McLaren’s strong position makes the upcoming races crucial for both teams.
Other key drivers are also eyeing important results, including Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull, who needs to deliver strong performances after a difficult season. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Las Vegas last year, is battling Norris for second place in the drivers' standings, while the fight for positions further down the grid remains fierce, with Alpine, Haas, and RB all close in points. This weekend's Las Vegas race will be a spectacle, drawing significant attention and increasing fan engagement with new features like the Ferrari support race.
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