Max Verstappen took the win in Las Vegas after overcoming a five-second penalty, a collision with George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to win the historic race in fine fashion.
The lead of the race changed hands multiple times with Leclerc, Verstappen and Sergio Perez all in contention as the race neared its conclusion. Verstappen prevailed to take his 18th win from the 21 rounds so far with Leclerc passing Perez on the final lap to finish runner-up.
Russell crossed the line in fourth but was demoted to eighth after he received a five-second penalty for his collision with Verstappen. Esteban Ocon took fourth, one place ahead of Lance Stroll with Carlos Sainz sixth and Hamilton seventh.
British driver Lando Norris was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after he crashed out on the third lap at 180mph.
Relive the updates from the Las Vegas Grand Prix below and check the latest F1 odds and tips here.
F1 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX – RACE UPDATES
Las Vegas Grand Prix dazzles on debut with usual dose of Max Verstappen reality
10:35 , Mike Jones
Beyond all the hype and razzle-dazzle beaming from all corners of this bright-light epicentre in the middle of the Nevada desert, what Formula 1 needed from their new flagship event on the Las Vegas strip was an entertaining race. Especially after starting on such unimpressive footing a few nights ago. And contrary to many of the processions in this one-sided season, the entertainment capital of the world did deliver on Saturday night. Don’t be fooled though: the top-spot of the podium was no surprise.
It has got to the stage now where Max Verstappen is simply inevitable. In this breed of Red Bull car, he remains lightyears ahead of the other 19 drivers behind him. On Saturday night – on a circuit he described as “National League” standard after qualifying – he was hit with a five-second penalty. Then he, unusually, spurned his first set of tyres as pole-sitter Charles Leclerc retook the lead. The Dutchman then collided with George Russell in the midfield.
Yet no circumstance is too damaging to recover from and, by lap 36 of 50, Verstappen was in the lead and clear. “Viva Las Vegas!” he screeched over team radio at the end, his mood unsurprisingly glowing following an 18th victory of the season.
Las Vegas Grand Prix dazzles on debut with usual dose of Max Verstappen reality
Las Vegas treated fans to exciting and superb Grand Prix
10:30 , Mike Jones
Much has been made of the hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas this week.
The detractors saying that race week was more for show than seriousness while others welcomed the change to the calender and the experience of witnessing a race held on a new circuit.
“It was a lot of fun out there,” said Max Verstappen after securing his record-extending 18th victory of the season. Verstappen, was one of the most vocal critics about Vegas this week but praised the crowd after his win.
“A great crowd,” he said, “I hope everyone enjoyed it, we definitely did. Excited to come back here next year and try to do something similar.”
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said Verstappen relished the experience adding: “I think he changed his mind about Vegas.”
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton praised the track after moving from P10 to P7 during the Grand Prix.
“Lots of great overtaking opportunities,” Hamilton said, “And I think for all those who were so negative about the weekend, saying it was all about show blah blah blah, I think Vegas proved them wrong.”
Second-place finisher Charles Leclerc was also happy with the race saying: “There was no better race to be the first race in Vegas.
“The energy around the city is incredible and I’m just really, really happy. I really enjoyed today.”
How Formula 1 cracked America
10:20 , Mike Jones
The setting is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: home to the world-famous Indy 500 race. Ahead of the 2005 United States Grand Prix, at a circuit modified for Formula 1, ITV pundit and former F1 driver Martin Brundle is interviewing the sport’s long-term supremo and commander-in-chief Bernie Ecclestone on the grid. And you may well say, nothing unusual about that.
What is more unusual is Brundle’s direct, bordering on combative, line of questioning. A huddle of camera crew and journalists huddle around, eager for answers. Because F1’s only race in the land of the free is about to become a farce. Out of 20 cars, only six take to the start line. For the sport and its tempestuous 55-year relationship with the US, it is the ultimate moment of absurdity. “The future of Formula 1 in America?” asks Brundle. “Not good,” Ecclestone replies.
It is a far cry from where the sport is stateside now. Formula 1 is pushing boundaries and breaking the glass ceiling in a manner which would be unambiguously imposing if it wasn’t in the United States. There are now three races, with this week’s grand prix on the Las Vegas strip following on from a highly successful rebirth of the US Grand Prix in Austin and a street track in Miami.
Pierre Gasly talks Alpine issues
10:10 , Mike Jones
Pierre Gasly spoke about his race in Las Vegas and the issues he faced which meant he slipped out of the points to finish P11. He said:
‘It was epic’: Button on Vegas Grand Prix
10:02 , Mike Jones
Sky Sports Formula 1 pundit, Jensen Button, was full of praise for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Today’s race was the first to take place on the strip and Max Verstappen went on to win.
Here’s what Button had to say:
Kylie Minogue dances trackside as she enjoys F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
09:55 , Mike Jones
Singer Kylie Minogue is making the most out of her Las Vegas residency, as she was spotted enjoying the F1 Grand Prix on Sunday (18 November).
Minogue, 55, was spotted trackside by Sky Sports F1 presenter Martin Brundle, who rushed over to speak to the singer ahead of the main race on Sunday.
Kylie Minogue dances trackside as she enjoys F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Carlos Sainz breaks down his race
09:48 , Mike Jones
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz evaluated his race in the immediate aftermath to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. It was an up-and-down weekend for the Spaniard but he’ll be pleased with the final result.
Lance Stroll on his brilliant Vegas drive
09:42 , Mike Jones
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was fantastic in Las Vegas, driving his way up through the pack from 19th to finish 5th.
At certain stages he was challenging Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez for the lead before slipping back as Max Verstappen and George Russell rediscovered their pace towards the end of the race.
Lewis Hamilton enjoyed Vegas Grand Prix
09:36 , Mike Jones
Despite undergoing a race that saw him drop to last place at one point then fight back for a P7 finish, Lewis Hamilton says he enjoyed the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Here’s his full post race reaction:
Max Verstappen wins Las Vegas Grand Prix
09:29 , Mike Jones
Las Vegas Grand Prix full race results
09:22 , Mike Jones
Here are the full results for the race in Las Vegas. Max Verstappen claimed the win but there were impressive performances all over the place including from Lance Stroll, Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton.
More from Horner
09:15 , Mike Jones
Of course, Christian Horner also spoke about Max Verstappen’s victory as joked: ‘I think he might like Vegas now’. Here’s the full reaction from the Red Bull Team Principal:
Christian Horner on Sergio Perez
09:08 , Mike Jones
Here’s Red Bull’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, talking to Sky Sports about Sergio Perez’s race:
“I thought he drove a great Grand Prix” 💪
Nothing but praise for Sergio Perez from Christian Horner as Checo secures P2 in the Drivers’ Championship 🤝 pic.twitter.com/2w1O5Hh7fX
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 19, 2023
Lando Norris explained issues with Las Vegas circuit before crashing out of Grand Prix
09:03 , Mike Jones
F1 driver Lando Norris outlined his concerns about some potential issues with the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit ahead of the race mere minutes before his heavy crash on Sunday.
In a grid walk interview with Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle, Norris was asked what he thought of the track and how it feels to drive on to which he replied: “Pretty dreadful.”
Lando Norris explained issues with Las Vegas circuit before crashing at Grand Prix
Post race reaction from George Russell
08:51 , Mike Jones
George Russell finished P4 in Las Vegas but after receiving the five-second penalty following his collision with Max Verstappen dropped down to eighth.
He told Sky Sports: “Just another massively missed opportunity this weekend.
“The collision with Max was totally my fault; I didn’t see him. He was in my blind spot going into Turn 11 and I wasn’t really expecting the overtake there because you’ve got the DRS straight afterwards.
“Was on course for an easy podium then and it was straightforward, so recovered to P4 but the five seconds obviously knocks us down to P8. This season is sort of one thing after another. The pace was strong but not as strong as the Red Bulls and the Ferraris.”
Max Verstappen overcomes penalty and collision to win Las Vegas Grand Prix
08:46 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen overcame a five-second penalty, a collision with George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to claim a historic Las Vegas Grand Prix win.
On a wild night in Sin City, where the lead of the race changed hands on multiple occasions, it was Verstappen who prevailed to take his 18th win from the 21 rounds so far with popstar Justin Bieber waving the chequered flag.
Charles Leclerc passed Sergio Perez on the final lap to finish runner-up, while British driver Lando Norris was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after he crashed out on the third lap at 180mph.
The build-up to Formula One’s debut race on the Strip has been mired in controversy following Thursday’s practice washout and Verstappen comparing the Las Vegas race to football’s National League.
Max Verstappen overcomes penalty and collision to win Las Vegas Grand Prix
Drivers’ championship update
08:42 , Mike Jones
Red Bull have now secured the top two spots in the drivers’ championship for the first time ever with one race spare.
In the battle for fourth, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso are now tied on 200 points with Lando Norris just behind on 195. That’s one battle to watch out for in Abu Dhabi.
1. Max Verstappen – 549
2. Sergio Perez – 273
3. Lewis Hamilton – 232
4. Carlos Sainz – 200
5. Fernando Alonso – 200
6. Lando Norris – 195
7. Charles Leclerc – 188
8. George Russell – 160
9. Oscar Piastri – 89
10. Lance Stroll – 73
Sergio Perez on racing in Las Vegas
08:38 , Mike Jones
“It was good for racing, it was not easy to pull away from the people behind and it’s a little bit like Baku, being the lead car makes life a little bit harder for you but I think it did deliver.”
Lando Norris endures heavy crash at start of Las Vegas Grand Prix
08:33 , Mike Jones
Lando Norris was an early retirement from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after a heavy crash into the wall.
The McLaren driver, who only started 15th on the grid after a disappointing qualifying, lost control of his car at turn 12 of the new Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
The Brit diverted right, straight into the wall and losing a tyre, before spinning into the barrier.
Norris, while breathing heavily, did let his engineer know “I’m OK.” The safety car was immediately deployed.
Lando Norris endures heavy crash at start of Las Vegas Grand Prix
Post race reaction from Toto Wolff
08:29 , Mike Jones
Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff, spoke to Sky Sports after the race concluded and rued that fact that once again his drivers had the pace to compete but circumstances went against them.
Charles Leclerc on racing in Vegas
08:25 , Mike Jones
“I really enjoyed it and we needed it of course, the weekend didn’t start the way it had to start but I’m so happy. Its such an incredible sport.
“No better race for the first race in Las Vegas, the energy around the city is incredible.
”I’m sorry about the second place but I’m sure everyone had an amazing time watching the race, I really enjoyed it. I hope we have more racing like that.”
F1’s Lando Norris expresses Las Vegas Grand Prix track concerns moments before crash
08:21 , Mike Jones
F1 driver Lando Norris expressed his concerns about the Las Vegas Grand Prix track moments before his heavy crash during the race on Sunday (19 November).
The McLaren driver lost control of his car at turn 12 of the new Las Vegas Strip Circuit, crashing into the wall, before spinning into the barrier.
He told his engineer he was OK and was transferred to the circuit medical centre before later being taken to hospital for a further medical review.
F1’s Lando Norris expresses Las Vegas Grand Prix track concerns moments before crash
Lance Stroll finishes 5th
08:17 , Mike Jones
One of the more underrated drives of the day came from Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. He swept through the field to finish 5th having started the day second to last.
Driver of the day?
More from Verstappen
08:13 , Mike Jones
“I think we were happy not to touch the (front wing) [in his collision with George Russell] as it already looked quite broken, of course the structure was fine but it wasn’t ideal, there’s always a bit more understeer in the car but luckily we could still win the race.
“It was a lot of fun there, like I said with the DRS it helped a lot, also with the low degradation on the tarmac you could really push on the tyres which was good.”
Verstappen was also asked about the American fans and he said: “A great crowd, I hope everyone enjoyed it a bit, we definitely did, so already excited to come back next year and hopefully try and do something similar.”
Here’s what Max Verstappen had to say about his victory
08:09 , Mike Jones
“It was a tough one.” Opened the Formula 1 world champion when asked to describe the race in Las Vegas.
“I tried to go for it at the start, but I ran out of grip. That put us on the back foot, earned us the penalty, I had to pass quite a lot of cars. Already there was quite a lot going on.
“The DRS was very powerful, even when you took the lead, the guy behind could come back at you. It’s never ideal [to carry damage] but luckily we could still win the race.”
Charles Leclerc disappointed to finish second
08:06 , Mike Jones
The Ferrari driver says he is disappointed about finishing second in Las Vegas after starting the race in pole position.
“What a race! Honestly, I enjoyed it so much.” he said during his post race interview.
“I’m disappointed to be second, but it’s the best we could do. We were really strong overall, we got a bit unlucky with the Safety Car.
“We went for track position and keeping that first place. But second place with a lot of fight – I’ll take it. I’m so happy the [weekend] ended that way, there was no better race for a first race in Vegas.”
Post race reaction from Sergio Perez
08:02 , Mike Jones
“It was a really difficult race with a lot of damage initially, we broke the front wing so went to the back of the grid.” said Red Bull’s Sergio Perez who finished third in Las Vegas.
“We had strong pace in that first stint, and with the Safety Car, that brought us into the race. I overtook Charles, but I couldn’t pull away – I had too much rear wing so I couldn’t pull away.
“It was quite difficult with the gusts of wind, rear locking and then in the end with Charles, I wasn’t expecting him, he was 0.7 back – and then in the braking zone, he was there, so well done to him and to Max.”
Sergio Perez claims second place in drivers’ championship
07:59 , Mike Jones
Sergio Perez’s third place finish in the Las Vegas Grand Prix means he secures second place in the drivers’ championship ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
This is the first year Red Bull have secured a one-two in the drivers standings. Max Verstappen, understandably, is miles out ahead after earning his 18th Grand Prix victory of the season.
Max Verstappen wins the Las Vegas Grand Prix
07:55 , Mike Jones
Charles Leclerc started the race on pole but was forced wide on the first corner by Max Verstappen who later received a five second penalty.
It was a race of high intensity with safety cars providing the opportunity for overtakes and switches in position whilst also limiting the damage done from a couple of mistakes.
Verstappen had to fight back from 9th place to claim the win while Leclerc overtook Sergio Perez on the final lap to clinch second place.
Max Verstappen wins the Las Vegas Grand Prix
07:50 , Mike Jones
The cooldown Rolls Royce. When in Vegas…
Max Verstappen wins the Las Vegas Grand Prix
07:48 , Mike Jones
Las Vegas Grand Prix results
07:41 , Mike Jones
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
4. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
5. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
6. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
7. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
8. George Russell (Mercedes)
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
12. Alexander Albon (Williams)
13. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
14. Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri)
15. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)
16. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
17. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
18. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)
19. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
20. Lando Norris (McLaren)
Russell overtakes Ocon
07:38 , Mike Jones
George Russell also managed to work his way past Esteban Ocon on the final lap to cross the line in fourth. However, his five second penalty drops him down to eighth overall just behind Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen wins the Las Vegas Grand Prix!
07:35 , Mike Jones
Drama on the final lap as Charles Leclerc sweeps into Sergio Perez’s slipstream then nips out onto the inside and eases ahead of the Red Bull just as the final corner approaches.
Up ahead no-one can catch Max Verstappen who crosses the line in first place and claims the win at the Las Vegas Grand Prix!
Tsunoda out! (Lap 49/50)
07:33 , Mike Jones
Yuki Tsunoda is out of the race as well! It’s not clear what went wrong for him but he’s retired his AlphaTauri.
Hamilton goes round Alonso (Lap 48/50)
07:31 , Mike Jones
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso switch places as the Briton goes past the Spaniard to move from ninth to eighth.
Hamilton will want to move up a couple more places before the end but Carlos Sainz is over a second ahead of him so that may not be an option now.
Alonso goes down to ninth.
Hulkenberg out of the race! (Lap 47/50)
07:29 , Mike Jones
So close! Nico Hulkenberg has fizzed off down a service exit and is seemingly out of the race for Haas with three laps to go. That’s going to be an annoying one but the Haas wasn’t in contention for the points.
Charles Leclerc is doing his best to gain on Sergio Perez and is making a bit of headway.
Max Verstappen is well out in front now.
Hamilton into the points! (Lap 45/50)
07:25 , Mike Jones
A great rearguard race seems to be paying off for Lewis Hamilton as the Mercedes driver manages to get ahead of Oscar Piastri who has plummeted following a needed pit stop.
Hamilton then weaves around Pierre Gasly and moves into ninth with his teammate George Russell still carrying a five second penalty.
Perez gets Leclerc! (Lap 43/50)
07:23 , Mike Jones
Charles Leclerc desperately tries to hold off the second Red Bull but the rear slips away from him and he goes wide on the turn leaving the door wide open for Sergio Perez.
Red Bull now have a one-two at the front of the grid.
Red Bull vs Ferrari (Lap 38/50)
07:16 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen spies an opportunity to get into the lead and takes on Charles Leclerc on the straight, Leclerc responds, recovers the position but then has to go wide to brake for the corner allowing Verstappen space on the inside to get into the lead!
Leclerc back in front! (Lap 36/50)
07:12 , Mike Jones
Sergio Perez is caught napping and Charles Leclerc manages to reel him in and get ahead again. Max Verstappen is quickly on the heels of the Ferrari and goes around Perez as well.
“Let’s work together here. We can get him.” Verstappen says over the radio.
Alpine’s wheel to wheel (Lap 35/50)
07:10 , Mike Jones
As a team Alpine will be very hapy with how this race it turning out. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are both firmly in the points but the two drivers come wheel to wheel as they compete for the best placements.
Ocon overtakes Gasly and the radio lights up. Think about the rest of the race comes the team instructions to both drivers.
Perez takes the lead! (Lap 33/50)
07:06 , Mike Jones
Wonderful from Sergio Perez!
A late break and turn into the corner sees the Red Bull sweep on the inside of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari and he goes into the lead!
His teammate, Max Verstappen, reins in Oscar Piastri and moves up to third place. He’ll be targeting victory and won’t be bothered that his teammate is the current leader.
Piastri is fastest! (Lap 32/50)
07:04 , Mike Jones
Could we be on the verge of of seeing a first Grand Prix victory for Oscar Piastri? The McLaren is currently the fastest car on the the track with a lap of 1:37.128 and is closing the gap on the two leaders.
‘The tyres are cold’ (Lap 31/50)
07:02 , Mike Jones
Charles Leclerc will have his sights on a race win here but he needs to stay switched on as he leads the Granp Prix. Over the radio his voice comes through: “Ah I nearly lost it, the tyres are **** cold.”
Sergio Perez is right on his tail.
Right at the back of the pack, Lewis Hamilton continues his recovery race and moves from last up to 15th – a gain of four places. Can he get himself into the points? There’s time left to do so.
Penalty for Russell (Lap 29/50)
07:00 , Mike Jones
The incident between Verstappen and Russell has been reviewed by the stewards resulting in a five second penalty for George Russell.
Verstappen sums it up over the radio saying: “It just seemed like he didn’t see me.”
As the race restarts proper, Oscar Piastri fancies it and nips around Pierre Gasly in a fine overtake to bring the McLaren up to third.
Current top 10 (Lap 28/50)
06:57 , Mike Jones
1. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
2. Sergio Perez – Red Bull
3. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
4. Oscar Piastri – McLaren
5. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
6. Esteban Ocon – Alpine
7. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
8. Alex Albon – Williams
9. George Russell – Mercedes
10. Carlos Sainz – Ferrari
Safety car! (Lap 27/50)
06:54 , Mike Jones
After that coming together between Russell and Verstappen the track needs to be cleared and the safety car is brought out. It seems as though everyone takes the chance to pit and swtich tyres.
Sergio Perez definitely comes in as does Max Verstappen. Perez’s stop means Charles Leclerc is now up to first place again.
Collision! (Lap 26/50)
06:52 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen and George Russell come together and there’s some damage to both cars. Verstappen attempts to go past on the inside as Russell turns into the corner.
Debris comes flying onto the track but the Red Bull goes up to fourth.
“Mate, he just turns into me, check my tyre and front wing.” exclaims Verstappen over the radio.
Sainz loses two places! (Lap 25/50)
06:50 , Mike Jones
Carlos Sainz has a job on his hands to defend against George Russell on the straight. He doesn’t manage it and the Mercedes nips past.
Using the slipstream of both cars, Max Verstappen spies his opportunity to get ahead of the Ferrari too and sweeps out to the left, nipping past on the inside.
Verstappen battling (Lap 24/50)
06:48 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen’s five second penalty has made this race very interesting. The Red Bull now has to fight through the pack and has just left Fernando Alonso behind.
His next target is the Mercedes of George Russell who is fifth, ahead of Russell are the two Ferrari’s who are currently the biggest challengers to Red Bull winning this race.
Sergio Perez continues to lead the way though and is 10 seconds in front of Lance Stroll.
Leclerc pits! (Lap 22/50)
06:45 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen sets the new fastest lap with a 1:37.880 and gets himself up to seventh. Up ahead Charles Leclerc makes his first pit stop and drops behind Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.
Stroll has snuck up on everyone and is currently running in second. What a race he’s having!
Perez up to second! (Lap 20/50)
06:41 , Mike Jones
Sergio Perez is having a fine Grand Prix. He’s made his way through the field, driven quickly and has seen himself move up to second place though there is a 14 second gap between him and Charles Leclerc.
Elsewhere, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso continue their assent and move to fifth and sixth respectively. Behind them, Max Verstappen is trying to get back into contention.
He overtakes Pierre Gasly and moves into ninth.
Hamilton has a puncture! (Lap 18/50)
06:38 , Mike Jones
Lewis Hamilton got himself up to fifth but was clipped by Oscar Piastri during his overtake and the back tyre picked up a puncture. It slows him right down and falls back down the leaderboard.
A pit stop to switch the tyre means Hamilton comes back onto the track in 19th place!
Leclerc takes the lead! (Lap 16/50)
06:37 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen is overtaken! Charles Leclerc was slowly gaining on the race leader and nips around the Red Bull as they approach the pit lane.
Verstappen immediately heads into the garage and switches to a set of hard tyres. He takes his five second penalty and falls out of the points.
Spaniards moving up (Lap 15/50)
06:35 , Mike Jones
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, two victims of the collision on the opening lap, are making their way up the leaderboard with both Haas cars and Daniel Ricciardo’s AlphaTauri reined in.
Sainz goes around Zhou Guanyu to move up to 10th with Alonso a couple of places back in 12th.
Leclerc goes fastest (Lap 14/50)
06:32 , Mike Jones
He doesn’t keep it for long but Charles Leclerc sets the fastest lap and brings the time gap between himself and Max Verstappen back under two seconds.
Lewis Hamilton, then Sergio Perez beat Leclerc’s time and not it’s the second Red Bull who is quickest out on the track. He’s flying up the field and is into the points in 10th.
The hard tyres are definitely the way to go.
Hamilton up to 9th (Lap 11/50)
06:28 , Mike Jones
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso are in a battle at the back of the grid. The Ferrari manages to weave around the Aston Martin and takes his compatriots place in 16th.
Further ahead, Lewis Hamilton flies around Zhou Guanyu and Kevin Magnussen to move up to 9th. He’s making his way through the field on his hard tyres but he’ll have to catch Oscar Piastri next.
‘Send them my regards’ (Lap 10/50)
06:25 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen is glib with his response to being given a five second penalty.
“That’s fine.” he tells his team over the radio. “Send them my regards.”
Penalty for Verstappen (Lap 8/50)
06:22 , Mike Jones
The race leader has been penalised for his actions on the first corner. The stewards looked at the incident and have given Max Verstappen a five second penalty for pushing Charles Leclerc off the track.
He isn’t required to give up first place though and that penalty may not prove consequential. Verstappen’s lead is already over two seconds and is increasing.
Green flag! (Lap 7/50)
06:21 , Mike Jones
Oscar Piastri moves up into 10th after a cheeky move to overtake Yuki Tsunoda as the race restarts at its proper tempo. With Norris out of the race, Piastri is McLaren’s final hope to secure some points here.
Max Verstappen finishes his seventh lap and sets the quickest of the race so far. He’s increasing his lead over Leclerc.
Safety car ending (Lap 6/50)
06:17 , Mike Jones
“Debris came off and hit my front wing.” says Lewis Hamilton who was running behind Lando Norris as he came off the track.
“Car is ok.” he then adds.
The Ferrari garage are still contesting the opening lap incident between Verstappen and Leclerc but the Red Bull hasn’t been told to give back the place yet.
Norris crashes! (Lap 4/50)
06:13 , Mike Jones
Lando Norris is off! He loses the back end of the car, locks up and spins off the track. The front left wheel is mangled and that’ll be it for Norris’ race.
The safety car is out and the rest of the grid is bunched back up, a few teams take the opportunity to pit and change things. Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso are a couple of those who’ve made some running replacements.
Leclerc is unhappy (Lap 3/50)
06:10 , Mike Jones
Charles Leclerc, now second, isn’t happy with Max Verstappen. He feels that the Red Bull drove him off the track on the opening corner and tells his team he wants to be given the place back.
Nothing official comes through and Verstappen quickly opens up a lead of around 1.8 seconds.
Perez pits (Lap 2/50)
06:08 , Mike Jones
There’s a virtual safety car as the debris from the opening lap is cleared up. Sergio Perez flies into the pits and changes the front wing.
Fernando Alonso has fallen down the leaderboard as has Lewis Hamilton who has fallen to 14th.
And they’re off!
06:06 , Mike Jones
The lights go out and Las Vegas Grand Prix is underway!
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both go wide at the first turn but manage to get round still leading the race. Further back there’s a spin involving Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Valtteri Bottas is caught up in the mix as well.
‘It’s pretty dreadful’ says Norris
06:03 , Mike Jones
Lando Norris spoke to Sky Sports about how the track feels before the race saying: “Pretty dreadful, just because it’s the least tyre temperature we’ve had all weekend.
“Just because you are pushing on a out lap and you usually don’t push on an out lap so it didn’t feel great but it should come back towards us, the track should improve a lot during the race.
“And it’s a lot more windy and I’m at the back of the grid so a lot of stuff going against us but it should be a good race.”
Formation lap
06:02 , Mike Jones
The cars set off for the formation lap, getting a feel for the track and putting some heat in the tyres. Most of the grid has chosen to head out on medium tyres but one of the exceptions is Lewis Hamilton, down in 10th, who is running hards.
He’ll have a tough test to get up the leaderboard and challenge for the top spots.
A reminder of the starting grid for the Las Vegas GP:
05:58 , Kieran Jackson
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Max Verstappen
3. George Russell
4. Pierre Gasly
5. Alex Albon
6. Logan Sargeant
7. Valtteri Bottas
8. Kevin Magnussen
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Lewis Hamilton
11. Sergio Perez
12. Carlos Sainz*
13. Nico Hulkenberg
14. Daniel Ricciardo
15. Lando Norris
16. Esteban Ocon
17. Zhou Guanyu
18. Oscar Piastri
19. Lance Stroll**
20. Yuki Tsunoda
*Carlos Sainz received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his power unit allocation
**Lance Stroll received a five-place grid penalty for overtaking under yellow flag conditions in third practice
Las Vegas Grand Prix
05:54 , Mike Jones
The race start is quickly approaching. Under the night time sky of Las Vegas, Donny Osmond sings the US national anthem and the drivers are getting themselves prepared for the race.
Fernando Alonso gives a quick interview with Sky Sports signing off with: “You will enjoy it.”
I’m sure we will.
What Charles Leclerc needs to finally claim victory from pole in first Las Vegas Grand Prix
05:50 , Kieran Jackson
Kieran Jackson in Las Vegas
Amid the maelstrom swirling on the other side of the Ferrari garage in the last few days at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has been razor-sharp. Fastest in the sole practice session on Friday, the Monegasque is so often ice-cool on the tight, twisty street circuits that so regularly crop up now in Formula 1.
Such was his confidence – and previous qualifying form in similar conditions – Leclerc was actually favourite with the bookies for pole position ahead of Max Verstappen. The Ferrari man proved them right, sealing a Ferrari one-two with Carlos Sainz qualifying in second.
Unfortunately however, the Spaniard will not be starting alongside his team-mate for the inaugural Saturday night race. Sainz’s ridiculous 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his gearbox allocation – which only came about due to the FIA’s incompetence after manhole-gate on opening night – has wiped out Leclerc’s most helpful aid to win the 50-lap race. For those desperate for an engrossing battle at the front, not least F1 and LVGP chiefs, it is a bitter blow.
Read more below:
What Charles Leclerc needs to claim victory from pole in first Las Vegas Grand Prix
Sargeant excited for race after impressive qualifying run
05:44 , Mike Jones
22-year-old Logan Sargeant has had a difficult year in F1 this season and picked up juts one point at the United States Grand Prix back in October.
But, after a great qualifying run he, alongside teammate Alex Albon, and will start the Las Vegas Grand Prix inside the top six.
Speaking in a video for Williams’ social media he said: “A great day for the team to be honest.
“I feel like today we’ve had such a quick car. We’ve been able to build sessions by sessions, lap after lap and yeah, here we go. Two cars on the third row and a slippery car on the straights, so we’ll do our best to stay there.”
Max Verstappen: ‘Las Vegas is National League – Monaco is Champions League’
05:42 , Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen compared the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit to the “National League” after qualifying on Saturday – while Monaco is the Champions League.
The three-time world champion has been outspoken this week about the inaugural race on the Vegas strip, describing it as “99% show, 1% race.”
Full quotes below:
Verstappen criticises Vegas GP: ‘Monaco is Champions League, this is National League’
How Formula 1 cracked America
05:28 , Kieran Jackson
Long read by Kieran Jackson
The setting is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: home to the world-famous Indy 500 race. Ahead of the 2005 United States Grand Prix, at a circuit modified for Formula 1, ITV pundit and former F1 driver Martin Brundle is interviewing the sport’s long-term supremo and commander-in-chief Bernie Ecclestone on the grid. And you may well say, nothing unusual about that.
What is more unusual is Brundle’s direct, bordering on combative, line of questioning. A huddle of camera crew and journalists huddle around, eager for answers. Because F1’s only race in the land of the free is about to become a farce. Out of 20 cars, only six take to the start line. For the sport and its tempestuous 55-year relationship with the US, it is the ultimate moment of absurdity. “The future of Formula 1 in America?” asks Brundle. “Not good,” Ecclestone replies.
It is a far cry from where the sport is stateside now. Formula 1 is pushing boundaries and breaking the glass ceiling in a manner which would be unambiguously imposing if it wasn’t in the United States. There are now three races, with this week’s grand prix on the Las Vegas strip following on from a highly successful rebirth of the US Grand Prix in Austin and a street track in Miami.
After 75 races at 11 different American venues, F1 has finally cracked the American code.
Read more below:
Constructors’ Championship ahead of the Las Vegas GP:
05:17 , Kieran Jackson
1) Red Bull – 782 points (champions)
2) Mercedes – 382 points
3) Ferrari – 362 points
4) McLaren – 282 points
5) Aston Martin – 261 points
6) Alpine – 108 points
7) Williams – 28 points
8) AlphaTauri – 21 points
9) Alfa Romeo – 16 points
10) Haas – 12 points
Shambles and incompetence: F1 enters new Las Vegas dawn with disaster on opening night
05:10 , Kieran Jackson
Kieran Jackson in Las Vegas
It was billed as the glistening jewel in Formula One’s crown. In all but name, this was the new Monaco. But the biggest race on the sport’s 2023 calendar – the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix on the streets of Sin City – descended into a total disaster on opening night.
Even for the entertainment capital of the world, nobody could have conjured up this story of incompetence.
Make no mistake: this was a shambles. A complete and utter shambles. What started with Carlos Sainz’s car substantially damaged by a loose water valve cover just after 8.30pm on Thursday night ended at 4am on Friday morning in front of empty grandstands, with fans instructed at 1.30am to head for the exits. Put out of their misery, they trudged home having seen just eight minutes of cars on track. For two men with their heads exhaustingly bowed downwards on a fan zone table, it was finally home time. A refund must surely be imminent.
Read more below:
F1 enters new Las Vegas dawn with disaster on opening night
Driver Standings ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix:
05:03 , Kieran Jackson
1) Max Verstappen – 524 points (champion)
2) Sergio Perez – 258 points
3) Lewis Hamiton – 226 points
4) Fernando Alonso – 198 points
5) Lando Norris – 195 points
6) Carlos Sainz – 192 points
7) Charles Leclerc – 170 points
8) George Russell – 156 points
9) Oscar Piastri – 87 points
10) Lance Stroll – 63 points
11) Pierre Gasly – 62 points
12) Esteban Ocon – 46 points
13) Alex Albon – 27 points
14) Yuki Tsunoda – 13 points
15) Valtteri Bottas – 10 points
16) Nico Hulkenberg – 9 points
17) Daniel Ricciardo – 6 points
18) Zhou Guanyu – 6 points
19) Kevin Magnussen – 3 points
20) Liam Lawson – 2 points
21) Logan Sargeant – 1 point
21) Nyck de Vries – 0 points
Lewis Hamilton:
04:58 , Kieran Jackson
“It’s a dream to be here in Vegas. Today’s a new day – just want to give it everything and see where we get.”
What is the starting grid for the Las Vegas GP?
04:52 , Kieran Jackson
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Max Verstappen
3. George Russell
4. Pierre Gasly
5. Alex Albon
6. Logan Sargeant
7. Valtteri Bottas
8. Kevin Magnussen
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Lewis Hamilton
11. Sergio Perez
12. Carlos Sainz*
13. Nico Hulkenberg
14. Daniel Ricciardo
15. Lando Norris
16. Esteban Ocon
17. Zhou Guanyu
18. Oscar Piastri
19. Lance Stroll**
20. Yuki Tsunoda
*Carlos Sainz received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his power unit allocation
**Lance Stroll received a five-place grid penalty for overtaking under yellow flag conditions in third practice
What Charles Leclerc needs to finally claim victory from pole in first Las Vegas Grand Prix
04:41 , Kieran Jackson
Kieran Jackson in Las Vegas
Amid the maelstrom swirling on the other side of the Ferrari garage in the last few days at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has been razor-sharp. Fastest in the sole practice session on Friday, the Monegasque is so often ice-cool on the tight, twisty street circuits that so regularly crop up now in Formula 1.
Such was his confidence – and previous qualifying form in similar conditions – Leclerc was actually favourite with the bookies for pole position ahead of Max Verstappen. The Ferrari man proved them right, sealing a Ferrari one-two with Carlos Sainz qualifying in second.
Unfortunately however, the Spaniard will not be starting alongside his team-mate for the inaugural Saturday night race. Sainz’s ridiculous 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his gearbox allocation – which only came about due to the FIA’s incompetence after manhole-gate on opening night – has wiped out Leclerc’s most helpful aid to win the 50-lap race. For those desperate for an engrossing battle at the front, not least F1 and LVGP chiefs, it is a bitter blow.
Read more below:
What Charles Leclerc needs to claim victory from pole in first Las Vegas Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has sympathy with Carlos Sainz:
04:27 , Kieran Jackson
“The rules have to change for that!” 💬
Max Verstappen believes the 10-place grid penalty Carlos Sainz received in Las Vegas was ‘very harsh’ 👇 pic.twitter.com/ZpWq0h4OHh
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 18, 2023
F1 fail to apologise or issue refunds to Las Vegas fans: ‘It happens’
04:16 , Kieran Jackson
Formula 1 failed to apologise or issue refunds to fans despite the fact they witnessed just eight minutes of cars on track before being told to leave on a farcical opening day in Las Vegas.
As opposed to a refund, all single-day ticket holders have instead been offered a $200 voucher for the Las Vegas Grand Prix official shop.
Those with full weekend, three-day tickets won’t be reimbursed in any way for Thursday night’s lost action.
A lengthy statement released on Friday from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm was also notable for the lack of an apology to spectators as well.
Full piece below:
‘It happens’: F1 fail to apologise or issue refunds to Las Vegas fans
Lawsuit filed over farcical start to Las Vegas Grand Prix
03:59 , Kieran Jackson
Organisers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix are facing a class action lawsuit following the farcical start to this weekend’s race on the strip.
Formula One sold the sport’s Sin City comeback after four decades away as the greatest show on Earth.
But fans witnessed just eight minutes of practice on Thursday after a drain cover broke free and tore a hole into the underbelly of Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari.
The second running was delayed by two-and-a-half hours, and took place in front of vacant grandstands as furious fans were ejected to comply with local employment laws. Practice finished at 4am on Friday morning.
Read more below:
Lawsuit filed over farcical start to Las Vegas Grand Prix
Constructors’ Championship ahead of the Las Vegas GP:
03:52 , Kieran Jackson
1) Red Bull – 782 points (champions)
2) Mercedes – 382 points
3) Ferrari – 362 points
4) McLaren – 282 points
5) Aston Martin – 261 points
6) Alpine – 108 points
7) Williams – 28 points
8) AlphaTauri – 21 points
9) Alfa Romeo – 16 points
10) Haas – 12 points
How Formula 1 cracked America
03:40 , Kieran Jackson
Long read by Kieran Jackson
The setting is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: home to the world-famous Indy 500 race. Ahead of the 2005 United States Grand Prix, at a circuit modified for Formula 1, ITV pundit and former F1 driver Martin Brundle is interviewing the sport’s long-term supremo and commander-in-chief Bernie Ecclestone on the grid. And you may well say, nothing unusual about that.
What is more unusual is Brundle’s direct, bordering on combative, line of questioning. A huddle of camera crew and journalists huddle around, eager for answers. Because F1’s only race in the land of the free is about to become a farce. Out of 20 cars, only six take to the start line. For the sport and its tempestuous 55-year relationship with the US, it is the ultimate moment of absurdity. “The future of Formula 1 in America?” asks Brundle. “Not good,” Ecclestone replies.
It is a far cry from where the sport is stateside now. Formula 1 is pushing boundaries and breaking the glass ceiling in a manner which would be unambiguously imposing if it wasn’t in the United States. There are now three races, with this week’s grand prix on the Las Vegas strip following on from a highly successful rebirth of the US Grand Prix in Austin and a street track in Miami.
After 75 races at 11 different American venues, F1 has finally cracked the American code.
Read more below:
Driver Standings ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix:
03:29 , Kieran Jackson
1) Max Verstappen – 524 points (champion)
2) Sergio Perez – 258 points
3) Lewis Hamiton – 226 points
4) Fernando Alonso – 198 points
5) Lando Norris – 195 points
6) Carlos Sainz – 192 points
7) Charles Leclerc – 170 points
8) George Russell – 156 points
9) Oscar Piastri – 87 points
10) Lance Stroll – 63 points
11) Pierre Gasly – 62 points
12) Esteban Ocon – 46 points
13) Alex Albon – 27 points
14) Yuki Tsunoda – 13 points
15) Valtteri Bottas – 10 points
16) Nico Hulkenberg – 9 points
17) Daniel Ricciardo – 6 points
18) Zhou Guanyu – 6 points
19) Kevin Magnussen – 3 points
20) Liam Lawson – 2 points
21) Logan Sargeant – 1 point
21) Nyck de Vries – 0 points
Max Verstappen: ‘Las Vegas is National League – Monaco is Champions League’
03:22 , Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen compared the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit to the “National League” after qualifying on Saturday – while Monaco is the Champions League.
The three-time world champion has been outspoken this week about the inaugural race on the Vegas strip, describing it as “99% show, 1% race.”
Full quotes below:
Verstappen criticises Vegas GP: ‘Monaco is Champions League, this is National League’
What is the starting grid for the Las Vegas GP?
03:16 , Kieran Jackson
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Max Verstappen
3. George Russell
4. Pierre Gasly
5. Alex Albon
6. Logan Sargeant
7. Valtteri Bottas
8. Kevin Magnussen
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Lewis Hamilton
11. Sergio Perez
12. Carlos Sainz*
13. Nico Hulkenberg
14. Daniel Ricciardo
15. Lando Norris
16. Esteban Ocon
17. Zhou Guanyu
18. Oscar Piastri
19. Lance Stroll**
20. Yuki Tsunoda
*Carlos Sainz received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his power unit allocation
**Lance Stroll received a five-place grid penalty for overtaking under yellow flag conditions in third practice
What Charles Leclerc needs to finally claim victory from pole in first Las Vegas Grand Prix
03:14 , Kieran Jackson
Kieran Jackson in Las Vegas
Amid the maelstrom swirling on the other side of the Ferrari garage in the last few days at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has been razor-sharp. Fastest in the sole practice session on Friday, the Monegasque is so often ice-cool on the tight, twisty street circuits that so regularly crop up now in Formula 1.
Such was his confidence – and previous qualifying form in similar conditions – Leclerc was actually favourite with the bookies for pole position ahead of Max Verstappen. The Ferrari man proved them right, sealing a Ferrari one-two with Carlos Sainz qualifying in second.
Unfortunately however, the Spaniard will not be starting alongside his team-mate for the inaugural Saturday night race. Sainz’s ridiculous 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his gearbox allocation – which only came about due to the FIA’s incompetence after manhole-gate on opening night – has wiped out Leclerc’s most helpful aid to win the 50-lap race. For those desperate for an engrossing battle at the front, not least F1 and LVGP chiefs, it is a bitter blow.
Read more below:
What Charles Leclerc needs to claim victory from pole in first Las Vegas Grand Prix
F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix!
03:10 , Kieran Jackson
Are you ready?!
Good evening – or morning! – and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix!
Charles Leclerc starts on pole, with Max Verstappen in second and George Russell third. Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz qualified second but due to his 10-place grid drop, he will start in 12th.
Follow all the news and build-up right here – lights out is at 6am (GMT).
