Winners and Losers from F1's 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Who Came Out on Top?

The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix may not have delivered the same level of chaos as last year's event, but it certainly reshuffled the standings and brought unexpected surprises, including a captivating one-two for Mercedes and a significant title clinching for Max Verstappen.

Winners: Max Verstappen

Though not a standout performer over the weekend, with his position in the final laps slipping from third to fifth, Verstappen sealed his championship with undeniable mastery. His consistent performance throughout the season has been remarkable, even when driving for a team expected to finish behind the top contenders. Despite leaving points on the table in a couple of races, his strategic moves often ensured that his closest rivals also fell short. This year may very well mark Verstappen's finest title run and the most notable of the hybrid era of F1.

Losers: McLaren

While the drivers’ championship was already beyond reach, McLaren's performance in Las Vegas raised serious concerns about their ability to fend off challenges from Ferrari in the constructors' battle. The team fell significantly behind its competitors, with drivers unable to compete effectively. Although McLaren holds a lead in points over Ferrari, the gap has narrowed significantly, raising doubts about their earlier status as the grid’s all-rounder.

Losers: Williams

After Alpine's impressive performance in Brazil, Williams found itself battling not for podiums, but for survival against mounting repair bills from on-track incidents. Despite Alex Albon’s capable driving, a retirement added insult to an already difficult season. Albon voiced concerns over a rough couple of months, emphasizing the need for the team to stay resilient amid challenges.

Winners: Mercedes

After struggling as F1's fourth-fastest team for much of the season, Mercedes put on a dazzling display in Las Vegas, showcasing a resurgence that the team hopes to maintain in upcoming races. Team principal Toto Wolff noted the valuable data collected on the W15 performance, which they aim to replicate in future events to continue building momentum.

Losers: Alpine

An unexpected turn of events for Alpine saw Pierre Gasly, who had qualified in a promising spot, sidelined by a power unit failure. Esteban Ocon’s lack of involvement in the race due to logistical missteps during a pit stop only compounded the team’s woes. They dropped behind Haas in the constructors' points, illustrating the unpredictability of their season.

Winners: Lewis Hamilton

Although George Russell claimed the victory in Vegas, Hamilton’s performance was a significant storyline. Starting from 10th, he showcased the Mercedes speed as he climbed to second, answering some questions regarding his championship potential. This result could serve as a catalyst for Hamilton’s resurgence as he prepares for future challenges, including a potential switch to Ferrari.

Losers: Ferrari

Despite gaining some ground on McLaren, Ferrari finished far from where they aspired. Team principal Fred Vasseur lamented the missed opportunities to capitalize on a struggling Mercedes, with Charles Leclerc unable to secure an early pass on Russell. The team’s performance left many questioning whether they fully exploited their potential.

Winners: Nico Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg's race was a shining example of strategic tire management, which ultimately propelled him into contention amidst fierce competition. He delivered a commendable performance that enabled Haas to leapfrog Alpine in the standings, demonstrating that even amid adversity, the team is making strides.

Losers: Sauber

Racing with upgraded components and hopeful for a change, Sauber’s aspirations were dashed as Zhou Guanyu fell out of points contention. While he briefly excelled at the beginning of the race, his mid-race performance reflected the reality of their slower pace, resulting in a disappointing result and leaving Sauber approaching a grim possibility of a point-less season.

With only a couple of races left in the season, anticipation builds for how these teams will respond and adapt as Formula 1 races toward its finale!