2025 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Schedule, How to Watch, & Key Storylines
The 2025 F1 season heads to Las Vegas for Round 22, featuring a tense championship battle between McLaren teammates Lando Norris, who holds his largest lead, and Oscar Piastri. The unique street circuit, with its high-speed straights and challenging corners, has seen front-row starters dominate in previous years. McLaren aims for their first Vegas podium, as cold night temperatures add another layer of complexity to this high-stakes race, which could be crucial for the championship outcome.
Formula 1 descends upon the dazzling streets of Las Vegas for Round 22 of the 2025 season, setting the stage for a high-stakes championship battle. Lando Norris arrives with his largest championship lead yet, while teammate Oscar Piastri is under pressure to regain form and keep his title hopes alive. This neon-lit spectacle promises an intense weekend of racing.
Why it matters:
After a dramatic season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to be a pivotal race in the 2025 F1 championship. McLaren's internal rivalry between Norris and Piastri adds another layer of intrigue, as both drivers vie for supremacy. The unique challenges of the street circuit, combined with the championship implications, make this a must-watch event for F1 fans globally.
The details:
- Circuit Characteristics: The 6.201km Las Vegas Street Circuit features high-speed straights, demanding braking zones, and tight corners, all illuminated by the city's iconic bright lights. It's a true test of both car performance and driver skill.
- Front-Row Dominance: Both previous winners, Max Verstappen (2023) and George Russell (2024), started from the front row, highlighting the critical importance of qualifying position at this track.
- McLaren's Challenge: Despite their strong season, neither Norris nor Piastri has reached the podium in Las Vegas. Their best results here were sixth for Norris and seventh for Piastri last year, making this a prime opportunity for the team to break their Vegas dry spell.
- Australian History: While McLaren's current drivers seek their first Vegas podium, Australian legend Alan Jones won the inaugural Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981, marking one of only two F1 races ever held in the city prior to the modern era.
- Weather Conditions: Expect a chilly weekend, especially during the night races. Temperatures will range from low teens to single digits, with a high of 19 degrees Celsius during the day and a low of 8 degrees Celsius at night.
By the numbers:
- Lando Norris: Leads the Drivers' Championship with 390 points, holding a 24-point advantage over Piastri. He has 7 wins and 6 poles this season.
- Oscar Piastri: Sits second with 366 points, with 7 wins and 5 poles. He needs a strong performance to close the gap to Norris.
- Max Verstappen: In third with 341 points, having secured 5 wins and 7 poles. While a strong contender, his championship hopes are fading.
What's next:
With the championship battle heating up, all eyes will be on McLaren to see if Norris can extend his lead or if Piastri can mount a comeback. The unique Las Vegas environment often delivers unpredictable results, ensuring a thrilling race as the 2025 season draws to a close. The outcome here could significantly influence the final standings. The race weekend runs from November 21-23 (AEDT), with the main Grand Prix starting at 3 pm AEDT on Sunday, November 23.