Norris Admits 'Embarrassing' Las Vegas Start Amid New Verstappen Evidence

Lando Norris called his start at the Las Vegas Grand Prix “pretty embarrassing” after losing the lead to Max Verstappen, a move that proved costly. New evidence suggests Verstappen’s unusual formation lap routine may have contributed to Norris’s struggles, further highlighting the Red Bull driver’s strategic advantage.

Why it matters:

Lando Norris's admission highlights the immense pressure and fine margins in Formula 1, especially when battling a driver of Max Verstappen's caliber. This incident, coupled with Norris's subsequent disqualification, significantly tightened the championship standings, turning what seemed like a comfortable lead into a nail-biting fight for his maiden F1 title. Understanding these tactical nuances is crucial for appreciating the depth of F1's competitive landscape.

The details:

• The Costly Start: Norris, aiming for the inside at Turn 1 in Las Vegas, went too deep into the corner from the dirty side of the track. This error allowed Max Verstappen to take the lead, which he never relinquished.
• Post-Race Disqualification: Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri were both disqualified from the race due to excessive plank wear, nullifying Norris's second-place finish and bringing Verstappen much closer in the championship standings.
• Verstappen's Formation Lap Tactics: It has emerged that Verstappen performed five burnouts during the formation lap, compared to Norris’s three. This maneuver likely gave Verstappen a significant advantage by warming his tires more effectively on the cold Vegas track, contributing to his superior launch.
• Norris's Self-Assessment: Following the race, Norris reflected on his start, stating, “Pretty embarrassing. I need to learn from Turn 1 and try to do a better job than I’ve been doing recently.”
• Red Bull's Dominance: Norris acknowledged the Red Bull's and Verstappen's strong performance, noting, “I know we won in Brazil, but we weren’t quick enough in Brazil relative to what Max was. They seem very good. Max is doing a very good job and the Red Bull car seems very quick and they are beating us.”

What's next:

Norris needs to outscore both Verstappen and Piastri by two points in Qatar this weekend to secure his first Formula 1 title with one race remaining. With both a Sprint and a Grand Prix to contend with, the pressure is on the McLaren driver to maintain focus and avoid similar costly errors. The championship battle is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, with every point vital.