Max Verstappen scores a poker. With the fifth place obtained at Las Vegas, the Dutchman becomes world champion for the fourth time, definitively entering the legend of Formula 1. In a season in which Red Bull has been anything but unbeatable, especially in the second half of the championship, Verstappen has shown himself to be a champion, capable of maximizing results even in difficult conditions. The Las Vegas GP celebrated not only his coronation, but also one of the most exciting races of the season: overtaking, twists and a sparkling Mercedes that, in the cold of the desert, rediscovered the taste of victory with an extraordinary one-two. Between those who won everything and those who lost the game, let's take a look at the tops and flops of this incredible weekend at Fanta F1 in Las Vegas.
Top Las Vegas GP
George Russell: George Russell played his cards with mastery. Starting from pole position, the Briton led the race with confidence, resisting the initial attacks of the Ferraris and managing the forceful comeback of his teammate Hamilton in the finale. With this victory, the third of his career, Russell sealed a perfect weekend, giving Mercedes their first one-two since Brazil 2022.
Lewis Hamilton: After a disappointing qualifying, finishing in tenth position, Hamilton showed why he is a seven-time world champion. With a spectacular comeback, punctuated by fast laps and surgical overtaking, the Briton finished in second place, guaranteeing Mercedes its 60th one-two in Formula 1. A performance that confirms that, even in a complicated season, due to his farewell and initial difficulties, Hamilton remains an absolute point of reference.
Nico Hulkenberg: In a crucial weekend for Haas, Hülkenberg took home a very valuable result. With a solid and intelligent race, the German scored key points that allow the American team to move back to Alpine in the fight for sixth place in the constructors' championship. The overtaking of Tsunoda in the final was the touch of class that crowned an impeccable performance.
Flop: who has lost everything at the gaming table
Lando Norris: Lando Norris and McLaren never got into the game in Las Vegas. After an anonymous weekend, the Briton finished sixth, without ever being truly competitive. His season, although brilliant on many occasions, lacked that final push to really challenge Verstappen for the drivers' championship. In Las Vegas, more than an opponent, he seemed like a spectator.
Pierre Gasly: From glory to retirement. Starting from third place, Gasly seemed destined for an important result for Alpine. But his race turned into a nightmare, culminating in a retirement due to reliability problems. The insult was double: while his engineers reassured him that everything was under control, the Frenchman was forced to abandon. A bitter ending that leaves Alpine in difficulty in the manufacturers' fight.
Alexander Albon: For Albon too, the Las Vegas GP was one to forget. Far from the positions that count, the Williams driver saw all hopes of points vanish with a retirement due to technical problems. An anonymous weekend for the team and its leading driver, who continues to suffer in a season lacking in satisfaction.
With Verstappen's fourth world championship now behind him, attention turns to the fight builders. McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull, although further away, promise a battle until the end. Will Qatar award the constructors' title or will we have to wait for the grand finale in Abu Dhabi?
