Verstappen Admits 'Risk' in Norris Pole Battle, Las Vegas GP

Max Verstappen admitted to taking an increased "risk" on his final Q3 lap during qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, yet it wasn't enough to secure pole position, which ultimately went to Lando Norris. Despite the challenging conditions, Verstappen will start alongside Norris on the front row.

Why it matters:

Securing pole position in Las Vegas was crucial for championship aspirations, especially for Verstappen, who needs to outscore Norris by nine points to keep his title hopes alive. The unexpected pace from Norris in tricky conditions also signals a potential shake-up at the front, adding an intriguing dynamic to Saturday night's race.

The details:

• Slippery Conditions: Verstappen described the track as "really, really slippery," comparing the experience to "driving on ice" rather than typical wet conditions. He noted the difficulty in getting the tires to work effectively.
• Tire Struggle: While feeling more competitive on extreme wet tires, Verstappen struggled to find grip when transitioning to intermediates as the track improved.
• Last-Lap Effort: Despite taking more risks on his final Q3 lap, Verstappen conceded it was "still by far not enough to fight for first," highlighting Norris's dominant performance.
• Unexpected McLaren Pace: McLaren's strong showing, with Norris taking pole, was unexpected for the Las Vegas circuit, where they weren't initially tipped to challenge at the very front.
• Front Row Start: Despite missing pole, Verstappen emphasized that a front-row start is still "good for us," setting him up well for the race.

What's next:

Verstappen is already looking ahead to the race start, hoping to capitalize on the initial congestion to make a move on Norris and seize the lead. The grip level on the inside of the track will be a key factor he's monitoring. His ability to navigate the notoriously slippery conditions and manage tire degradation will be critical in his quest to keep his championship hopes alive.