Verstappen Leads Red Bull to Victory at Las Vegas Grand Prix
Max Verstappen showcased exceptional skill and racecraft to secure victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking another milestone in his dominance this season. Starting from second position, Verstappen executed a precise maneuver on lap one, overtaking Lando Norris after the McLaren driver went deep into Turn 1.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Verstappen’s race start, stating, “Lap one, Turn 1, he just never gets it wrong. He nailed it and got Lando.” This early move proved pivotal, as Verstappen quickly established control over the race.
Mekies also noted that George Russell initially posed a significant challenge, putting pressure on Red Bull for the first ten laps. However, as the race progressed, Russell’s performance declined, possibly due to tire graining. Mekies pointed out a strategic decision regarding pit stops, explaining, “We decided to stay out. Max was able to keep pushing and effectively match George’s pace.”
When Red Bull eventually pitted eight laps later, the gap between Verstappen and Russell remained tight, underscoring the competitive nature of the race. “We had more confidence on the hard tires,” Mekies added, indicating that the tire performance was crucial in maintaining their lead.
In the latter stages, Verstappen demonstrated his pace, responding to team requests to increase his speed whenever necessary. He successfully pulled away from the field, a feat made more remarkable given the unpredictable conditions teams faced throughout the weekend due to disrupted practice sessions.
Mekies concluded with high praise for Verstappen and the team’s preparation. “It was a masterclass from him… there was a lot more to handle than a normal race,” he noted, emphasizing the challenges faced by all drivers on race day in Las Vegas.
