Vegas Grand Prix kicks off with Lando Norris steering the championship momentum

LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas this weekend, kicking off a rapid-fire run of three back-to-back races that will wrap up the 2025 season — and likely confirm a new world champion.

Arriving at Saturday night’s race under the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip, Norris now holds the upper hand in the championship after dominating the last two race weekends. While he can’t secure the title in Vegas, another victory would put him on the brink of sealing the deal.

The 26-year-old Brit leads McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 24 points. Piastri controlled the championship for much of the year but has slipped in form recently. Norris said he isn’t letting the points gap change his approach.

“I’m not thinking about the championship — I’m here to win this weekend,” Norris told reporters Wednesday. “You make some decisions based on risk, but overall I trust my judgment. I’m comfortable with where I am.”

Las Vegas’ unusually cold nights already create unpredictable racing conditions, and the chance of rain could further complicate matters — something several drivers dread.

“Not fun at all,” said two-time champion Fernando Alonso. “Fun to watch, not fun to drive.”

Others, like Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, welcome the chaos:
“It gives more chance for the others to actually mess up,” he joked.

Four-time reigning champion Max Verstappen sits third in the standings, 49 points behind Norris. Still mathematically alive, he admitted the title is largely out of his hands.

“It’s a lot of points,” Verstappen said. “We’d need a lot of luck from here.”

Norris’ late-season surge marks a dramatic turnaround. After entering as the title favorite and winning the opener in Australia, he endured months of struggles as Piastri outperformed him. But he’s since found his rhythm, cut out errors, and rebuilt confidence.

“I had a pretty bad start to the year,” Norris said. “But it forced me to work harder. That’s why I’m in a stronger place now.”

With three Grands Prix and one sprint left, Norris would still win the championship even if he finishes second behind Piastri in all four remaining events. That gives him strategic flexibility — though Norris insists leading is “the safest place to be.”

Piastri, who hasn’t stood on the podium since early September, admits the final stretch will be tough.

“It’s going to be difficult to win now,” he said. “But the mindset stays the same — maximize every weekend.”

Norris credits his resurgence partly to strengthened mental resilience, learning to ignore outside criticism and stay focused. He also feels far more at ease with McLaren’s 2025 car after struggling earlier in the season.

As the pressure ramps up, Norris says the upcoming stretch represents “three of the biggest weekends” of his life, acknowledging that the Vegas circuit has historically been a weak spot for McLaren.

While McLaren has already secured the constructors’ championship, a fierce fight remains for second place among Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull — a battle fueled by major financial incentives.

For Las Vegas, the Grand Prix arrives at a crucial moment. Tourism has slumped in 2025 due to high travel costs and economic uncertainty. Yet F1 has been a massive economic boost, bringing an estimated $934 million to the city last year.

While fans and businesses welcome the global spotlight, locals continue to face detours and road closures.

“It can be stressful for residents,” said Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. “But it brings worldwide attention and tourism. We’re proud to host it.”