Las Vegas has repaid the long wait, reversing the percentages given by Verstappen at the beginning of the weekend. The Dutchman was in fact expecting a weekend made up of 99% entertainment and 1% sport. But he himself admitted at the end of the race that he really enjoyed himself on the track. We can therefore say that the Las Vegas GP it was an honest 50%, a bit like the chances of a black number or a red number coming up at roulette. What made the difference were the drivers, all, or almost all, promoted on a completely new track and with different difficulties. For the first time in the entire season the most underrated stage, perhaps because it was full of lights and elements that tried in every way to divert attention from the track, instead returned a fight that had not been seen since 2022, namely that between Red Bull and Ferrari. At the end of this American night - European morning, let's see the tops and flops at the Fanta F1 of the Las Vegas GP.
The stage of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the penultimate stage of the season, was a succession of twists and turns and unexpected events, with Max Verstappen taking a victory in a troubled race that saw him chasing Leclerc again. As in the past. The two get excited and have fun when they are against each other. Our first top is the moral winner of this race i.e Charles Leclerc.
The top at the Fanta F1 GP in Las Vegas
Charles Leclerc: the Monegasque was never satisfied in Las Vegas. He knew he had a chance and he tried until the end to exploit it. With one lap to go he started hunting for second place again with such malice as to displace poor Perez, who had up to that point had an excellent race. With this move Charles not only took second place but gained other very important points in the fight with Mercedes for second place in the builders which is now only 4 points away. At Fanta F1 his feat earns him good points. Too bad for Sainz. Without the penalty he could have closed not far from his teammate.
It's strange to see two riders in the top 3 who didn't reach the podium, but if the Las Vegas Grand Prix passed the test, earning our trust, it's not just thanks to the battles up front. In fact, there are drivers who have made excellent comebacks and who have set the track and the fight at Fanta F1 on fire.
Lance Stroll: Stroll perhaps performed one of his best performances at the Las Vegas GP. A performance that he deserves to be recognized and rewarded. Starting from 19th on the grid, he was able to capitalize on the initial chaos, quickly moving up the rankings. In the final he masterfully overtook both the Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. At Fanta F1 he takes home many points, a all in.
Stephen Ocon: Ocon demonstrated his resilience and ability in the Las Vegas GP, despite a complicated start in qualifying. He managed his first stint effectively, guaranteeing longer tire life than Gasly. While Gasly lost positions, Ocon maintained a solid position in the top five, only giving up fourth place to George Russell on the final lap. Nothing to worry about as Russell would have served a 5 second penalty. An avalanche of points arrives for him too at Fanta F1 with the comeback in Las Vegas.
The Flops at Fanta F1 in the Las Vegas GP
Land Norris: the weekend in Las Vegas was a nightmare for Lando Norris, who, a few days before his birthday, after a bad qualifying, had to retire following a bad solo accident, with strange dynamics linked to tire temperature and a speed bump . Fortunately, Lando, who underwent medical checks, did not encounter any particular problems but the result obtained in Las Vegas is a disappointing result, especially considering the potential that seemed to exist with the Hard tyres. The disappointment of Norris' retirement is a real low blow to Fanta F1.
George Russell: George Russell fared no better. Starting on the second row, George ruins his race by colliding with Verstappen. An incident that costs him a penalty and position over his teammate, as well as half the points he would have collected if his defense on Verstappen had been correct. Now Mercedes only has a 4 point lead over Ferrari.
Fernando Alonso: Fernando threw away a wonderful opportunity. The initial spin compromises the race and the comeback while his partner flies. Not a small slip, considering that McLaren is 11 points behind in the championship.
