Max Verstappen Wins 18th Race of the Season at Las Vegas Grand Prix
After expressing his lack of enthusiasm for the event, Max Verstappen proved his racing prowess by winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing his 18th race victory of the season. The Red Bull driver, adorned in a race suit inspired by Elvis Presley, crossed the chequered flag first, celebrating with a rendition of the King of Rock and Roll’s famous “Viva Las Vegas” song. Despite his initial reservations about the event, the thrilling night race under the bright lights seemed to have won Verstappen over.
The Grand Prix, the first in Vegas since the 1980s, faced criticism prior to the race. However, once the lights went green, it delivered a spectacular performance, with Verstappen securing a record-extending 18th win of the season and his Red Bull team achieving a single-season record 20th race win.
Verstappen, who also became the first man to win three races in the same country in a season, did not have an easy victory. Starting second on the grid, he faced a five-second penalty for pushing Charles Leclerc off the track at the start of the race and survived a damaged front wing after a late clash with George Russell and numerous safety cars before taking control towards the end of the race.
Despite the challenges, Verstappen described the race as “definitely a lot of fun” and expressed excitement about returning for the event next year. Leclerc finished second, denying Red Bull a one-two finish, while Perez secured second place in the drivers’ championship, ensuring Red Bull’s first-ever one-two in the drivers’ championship.
Celebrities such as David Beckham, Brad Pitt, and Justin Bieber added more razzmatazz to the event. Verstappen thanked the crowd and expressed his eagerness to return next year, leaving fans and spectators looking forward to another thrilling race in Las Vegas.