Verstappen fights back to win Las Vegas thriller as F1’s gamble pays off

After a challenging week for Formula One and days of uncertainty in Las Vegas, the sport successfully delivered a thrilling show on the city streets, turning what was a grand gamble into a resounding success.

Max Verstappen, amidst the glittering lights, claimed victory in the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, showcasing that the significant investment of approximately $700 million paid off handsomely. Despite the inherent advantage for the house, Verstappen faced stiff competition, navigating penalties and on-track clashes to secure a hard-fought victory. The race lived up to expectations, providing the spectacle F1 desired.

The anticipation leading up to this event, backed by Formula One’s substantial investment, turned it into a showcase, akin to their Super Bowl moment. Acting as both promoter and organizer for the first time, F1 aimed to make a significant impact in the US market.

F1’s commitment to having the race in the heart of the city, including Las Vegas Boulevard, was realized, backed by the iconic casinos forming a striking backdrop. The cars speeding past landmarks like Caesars, the Bellagio, Paris, and the Venetian added to the grandeur, making it one of Formula One’s most illustrious stages. The success was crucial as failure would have been highly publicized.

The weekend faced challenges and resentment, with limited practice sessions and a delayed second session. Verstappen criticized the accompanying spectacle, emphasizing the importance of racing. Despite these concerns, the race met expectations, alleviating fears of a lackluster track and conservative driving. The 3.8-mile circuit provided ample opportunities for overtaking, offering a riveting display for fans who had invested significantly in the promise of F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport.

As the night unfolded, tension gripped the grid, and the racing proved spectacular. Verstappen, despite facing penalties, took the lead early on, engaging in thrilling battles with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez. The race showcased attacking driving, numerous passes, and wheel-to-wheel action, dispelling concerns about the circuit’s quality.

Verstappen’s victory marked a thrilling conclusion, and the overall success of the event indicated that F1 might have found a winning formula in Las Vegas. The dazzling show, the city’s iconic backdrop, and the exciting race demonstrated the potential for Formula One to capture the American audience. As fireworks lit up the city in celebration, F1 might have initiated a game-changing moment in the US, fulfilling the promise of Viva Las Vegas.

Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll secured fourth and fifth positions, respectively, contributing to the overall excitement of the race. Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Oscar Piastri completed the top ten.