Verstappen Responds to Sky Sports Reporter After Dominant Vegas Win

Max Verstappen smiled and subtly parried a Sky Sports reporter's question about his dominant Las Vegas Grand Prix win, emphasizing the car's role, amidst a tightening championship battle. His victory, coupled with McLaren's disqualification, has significantly closed the gap to championship leader Lando Norris with two races remaining.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's performance in Las Vegas, converting a first-corner error into a commanding win, highlights his relentless pursuit of the championship. This result, combined with McLaren's double disqualification, has dramatically intensified the title fight, bringing Verstappen within striking distance of Lando Norris and leaving the championship finely poised for the final two races.

The Details:

• Verstappen dominated the Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking the lead early after a mistake from Lando Norris.
• When asked if his current Red Bull car resembled the past dominant versions, Verstappen responded with a smile, stating, "Yeah, it's all about the car!"
• The reporter clarified, "I've said you've been good, I didn't say the car was good, I've said you've been good," to which Verstappen simply replied, "yeah."
• Championship Standings: Verstappen is now only 24 points behind championship leader Lando Norris (390 points).
• Verstappen is tied on points with Oscar Piastri (366 points) as the season heads into its penultimate round.

Between the lines:

McLaren's disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix — where both cars were deemed to have pushed beyond regulatory limits — could be a direct consequence of Red Bull's recent form.

• After Verstappen's strong run, including a podium from the pit lane in Brazil and closing in on both McLaren drivers, the Woking team might have over-optimized their MCL38 to try and outpace Red Bull.
• This aggressive push ultimately led to both McLaren cars being disqualified, further compacting the championship battle.

What's next:

With two Grands Prix and one Sprint race remaining, the championship is now a three-way battle.

• Verstappen's ability to consistently extract maximum performance from his car, combined with McLaren's recent setback, sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
• The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether Verstappen can continue his charge and potentially claim another title, or if Norris can hold on to his lead amidst increasing pressure.