
We have finally reached the countdown for the third-to-last Grand Prix of the 2024 Championship, held in Las Vegas on its namesake street circuit.
The hope was to arrive at this stage with the drivers' title still up for grabs, but Max Verstappen ended any such hopes in Brazil with a flawless performance, effectively securing his fourth consecutive world title. His victory, decisive and unchallenged, left his rivals grappling with difficult cars and inferior driving skills.
With a 62-point lead and three races remaining, Verstappen is on the brink of clinching the title in Las Vegas, though it's unlikely he will seal the deal in Nevada. However, the confusion displayed by Norris after the Brazilian GP could make an early triumph possible for the Dutchman. Hopefully, these three weeks of rest have helped the British driver regain some balance and determination, which are crucial at this level of competition.
The Las Vegas GP is one of the most unusual circuits on the calendar, featuring three long straights connected by medium-slow corners. The temperatures, expected to range between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, add an extra challenge, especially for Ferrari. The Maranello team has often struggled in cooler conditions, finding it difficult to heat the tires in qualifying and suffering from sliding and graining during the race.
The track, carved out of the streets of Las Vegas, demands a low downforce aerodynamic setup, efficient use of the power unit, and great stability in braking and traction out of the corners. The low temperatures will be a challenge for all drivers, who must avoid losing too much tire temperature on the long straights, with the low downforce setup not helping.
Sainz has identified Las Vegas as one of the most favorable tracks for Ferrari, but the temperatures pose a significant obstacle. McLaren and Red Bull could benefit from these conditions, as they are less affected by the cooler weather. With the drivers' title already decided, McLaren might focus all its energy on the constructors' championship.
Verstappen, for his part, can approach the upcoming races with less pressure, taking advantage of every favorable opportunity to solidify his dominance. His aggressive driving in wheel-to-wheel battles is a certainty, and he won't hesitate to showcase it again.
The nature of the Las Vegas street circuit, combined with the specific weather conditions, could lead to surprises regarding who will achieve a standout result. The possibility of one or more safety cars is real, potentially disrupting race strategies and pit stops.
Ultimately, the Las Vegas GP is more of a grand media spectacle than a pure sporting event, reflecting Formula 1's shift toward entertainment and experience. This is the price to pay for maximizing profits and media exposure, sometimes at the expense of sporting purity. Behind the scenes, maneuvers to favor one competitor or another are an integral part of this sport, which has always been marked by controversies and regulatory innovations on the edge of legality.
In the end, what matters is the narrative, meeting expectations, and providing enough highlight moments to share on social media.
© Simone Marchetti