Las Vegas GP Preview: Championship fight continues in Sin City ahead of final three races
19th November 2025Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas in the first race of a season-ending triple-header – as Lando Norris looks to move one step closer to the drivers’ championship.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
A dominant weekend in Sao Paulo saw Norris take a commanding lead in this season’s dramatic championship battle, as he moved 24 points clear of title-rival Oscar Piastri. It leaves the Brit in his strongest championship position so far this season, with a second-place finish at each of the final three races and sprint now enough to secure him the title.
Piastri will be looking to end his wretched form as he extended his podium-less streak to five races. Having seen his 34-point lead slip through his fingers, Vegas represents a must-win for Piastri to keep any hopes of a title alive.
Las Vegas has thrown many surprises in its first two seasons on the Formula One calendar, with Mercedes scoring a dominant 1-2 last year. The cool track temperature suited the Bracknell-based team, whilst catching out the Constructors’ Champions, McLaren, who finished sixth and seventh.
Norris himself has admitted that he is “not looking forward” to this weekend and believes the race is “going to be difficult to win”, following his team’s performance at the track last season.
Championship outsider Max Verstappen will be looking to capitalise on any McLaren slip-ups this weekend, after an incredible recovery drive in Brazil kept him within touching distance of the title. Verstappen must ensure that he does not drop nine points or more to Norris to keep his fight alive, who he currently sits 49 points adrift from.
A high-speed track with long straights and fast corners, Vegas rivals circuits such as Monza for its top speeds, with Williams’ Alex Albon recording a track-record 229 mph last year.
Weather Report: the latest forecast ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix
All ten teams will be looking for a low drag, high speed set-up this weekend, whilst balancing their need for downforce. This is made especially difficult as low track temperatures are expected, requiring more heat to be worked into the tyres to reach their optimal racing window.
Forecasts currently suggest the temperature may drop below 10°C for Sunday’s race, representing the coldest race so far this year and providing tricky conditions for the drivers.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix begins this Friday, with first practice beginning 00:30*, followed by practice two at 4:00*. Saturday’s first action starts with practice three at 00:30*, followed by qualifying at 4:00. Finally, Sunday’s race sees lights out at 4:00*.
*Times are based on Greenwich Mean Time.
Read more Formula 1 here:
- Weather Report: the latest forecast ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix
- FIA Commission Meeting: two-stops, testing restrictions and car liveries
- Audi reveal livery concept ahead of 2026 F1 arrival
- Ferrari drivers share posts of unity following criticism
- São Paulo Grand Prix: 3 winners & losers
- Why Oscar Piastri was penalised at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the latest news from ApexMotorsports.co.uk!
