Las Vegas GP Showdown: Will Ferrari Dominate While Verstappen Secures His Crown?

As we gear up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, excitement is palpable with Mercedes starting from pole position, driven by George Russell. However, the real question buzzing in the paddock is: who will ultimately seize victory on the hallowed streets of Las Vegas? Additionally, could this be the day Max Verstappen officially clinches the F1 2024 championship, with two races left to go?

Following a captivating qualifying session this past Saturday, drivers now prepare for a race characterized by cool temperatures and the challenge of tire management. The Las Vegas Strip street circuit has proven to be unpredictable, setting the stage for a thrilling contest filled with unknown variables.

Who Will Claim Victory in the Las Vegas GP?

With Russell securing pole position and Pierre Gasly impressively starting from third, the stakes are high for this race. Not only does the circuit feature ample overtaking opportunities, but the low temperatures expected may lead to tire graining across all teams. Strategy and tire management will be pivotal throughout the race.

F1 Las Vegas GP Predictions: The Top 10

10. **Esteban Ocon** Starting from 11th place, Ocon has the potential to snag some points, especially after his brilliant P2 finish in Brazil. He’s expected to engage in a tactical race, providing him with the pace to contend for a solid result.

9. **Yuki Tsunoda** Tsunoda enters this race with momentum from Brazil, lining up in P7. He faces the challenge of avoiding mistakes and executing a wise strategy as he aims to fend off Alpine in their battle for sixth in the Constructors' Championship.

8. **Pierre Gasly** P3 is a perfect launchpad for Gasly to assist Alpine in their quest for points and bolster their standing in the Constructors’ Championship, although competing for a podium finish might be a stretch given their race pace.

7. **Lewis Hamilton** Hamilton, starting from P10, will have a tough day ahead. Despite hopes of contending for pole, he struggled during Q3 and will have to navigate a tricky race, compounded by his car’s tendency to overheat tires.

6. **Oscar Piastri** After a less-than-stellar qualifying session, Piastri will kick off the race in P8. Though he possesses race pace, overtaking in dirty air could hinder his progress.

5. **George Russell** Despite his front-row starting position, Russell faces challenges with tire graining, particularly in Mercedes’ cooler conditions that favor short performances. His race pace is expected to fall short of Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull, complicating his attempt to hold onto the lead.

4. **Lando Norris** Norris, who qualified poorly, is expected to rebound as McLaren's race pace should permit him to make up lost ground, especially since he needs to outpace Verstappen to keep his championship hopes alive.

3. **Max Verstappen** Verstappen qualified P5 after a shaky start to the weekend. He arrives at raceday with the expectation of channeling his competitive zeal to reclaim positions and possibly secure his fourth world title.

2. **Charles Leclerc** Though Leclerc faced obstacles in qualifying, he has the potential to clinch a podium finish. With Ferrari’s race strength looking promising, the expectations are high for him to push for a top spot.

1. **Carlos Sainz** Just shy of pole by a mere tenth, Sainz has momentum following a recent victory in Mexico. With tire management being key, his expertise and determination signal a strong likelihood of clinching what could be his final win for Ferrari.

In what promises to be an electrifying 50-lap race around the Las Vegas circuit, we're not just left wondering who will triumph; we might also witness a pivotal moment in the championship landscape. As Ferrari aims to maximize its Constructors’ title pursuit, every move counts in this grand spectacle of speed and strategy. Will Sainz pull off a memorable win? Can Verstappen secure the championship early? Stay tuned to find out!