F1 Las Vegas GP: Five Key Takeaways

Lando Norris is now firmly in control of the F1 title race after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, extending his lead to 30 points with just two rounds remaining. While Norris's performance in Nevada wasn't his strongest, his consistent points haul puts him in a commanding position.

Why it matters:

• Norris's consistent form, even on less favorable tracks for McLaren, highlights his strong championship bid, making him the clear favorite heading into the final two races.
• The contrasting fortunes of his teammate, Oscar Piastri, and the rising anticipation for a potential Max Verstappen vs. George Russell title fight next season underscore the evolving dynamics at the sharp end of F1.
• Williams's strong performance in Las Vegas has all but secured fifth in the constructors' championship, marking a significant step in their rebuilding journey.
• The ongoing speculation around the second Red Bull seat for 2026, with Isack Hadjar impressing, sets the stage for a critical evaluation of junior talent in high-pressure environments.

The details:

• Norris's Title Push: Despite Verstappen winning in Las Vegas, Norris further increased his championship lead to 30 points, putting him in firm control with only two rounds left. His performance, while not as dominant as in Mexico and Brazil, was crucial for his title challenge.
• Piastri's Struggles: Oscar Piastri's recent form continues to be a concern. He qualified fifth but was unlucky with a yellow flag, further falling behind Norris and now facing pressure from Max Verstappen for second place in the championship. He needs to recapture his early-season form.
• Verstappen-Russell Rivalry: George Russell briefly challenged Max Verstappen for the lead in the opening lap, showcasing the potential for an intense championship battle between the two next season. Both drivers have consistently performed at a higher level than most this season, and their history suggests a fiery rivalry.
• Williams Secures Fifth: Carlos Sainz's seventh-place finish helped Williams outscore its midfield rivals, establishing a 31-point lead over Racing Bulls for fifth in the constructors' championship. This marks Williams's best performance since 2017 and provides a solid foundation for future development.
• Hadjar's Red Bull Prospects: Isack Hadjar continues to impress as a rookie with Racing Bulls, fueling speculation about him taking the second Red Bull seat in 2026 alongside Max Verstappen. However, the true test of his capabilities will come under the immense pressure of a top-tier team, a challenge even Yuki Tsunoda faced at the junior squad.

What's next:

With just two rounds remaining, the focus shifts to whether Lando Norris can maintain his lead and clinch the title. Meanwhile, the battle for other championship positions continues, and the performance of rising stars like Isack Hadjar will be closely watched as teams begin to look towards the 2026 season and beyond. Williams's confirmed fifth-place finish will be a morale booster, while Oscar Piastri will be keen to regain his early-season momentum.