Las Vegas GP: Russell leads grid as title battle heats up

George Russell took pole for the Las Vegas GP with a 1:32.312, ahead of Sainz and Gasly. Verstappen starts fifth, after Albon’s crash in practice.

| Updated: 23 November, 2024 2:31 pm IST
George Russell took pole for the Las Vegas GP with a 1:32.312.

NEW DELHI: In an action-packed weekend leading up to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes emerged as the standout team, with George Russell dominating qualifying by securing pole position. Russell posted a blistering lap time of 1:32.312, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly, while Max Verstappen, despite a strong overall performance, will start the race from fifth. The qualifying session saw some drama, as Alex Albon’s crash during Free Practice 3 brought out a red flag, though Russell’s performance remained unchallenged.

 

Although Mercedes looked strong throughout, it was Russell who stole the show, capitalizing on the car’s pace to finish ahead of Ferrari’s Sainz and Gasly of Alpine. Lewis Hamilton, who had been quick in the early sessions, faced difficulty in Q3, where mistakes on both his flying laps saw him finish in 10th, disappointing expectations after a promising start. Despite Hamilton’s setback, Mercedes is in a strong position, but as always, the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 means the race could still see surprises.

 

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Max Verstappen, while facing a penalty during the weekend, demonstrated once again why he’s a champion, with his comeback performance capturing attention. His drive showcased the resilience and determination that has marked his 2024 season. In contrast, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was pleased with his performance, feeling the team executed their strategy flawlessly. Meanwhile, Sainz remains cautiously optimistic about their position, acknowledging McLaren’s strong form but refusing to take anything for granted.

 

The battle for the constructors’ title is intensifying as McLaren remains in a tight race with Ferrari, with Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, noting the team’s 36-point lead but stressing that it is far from secure. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, lauded Verstappen’s grit and skill, calling his drive “phenomenal” and a true testament to his championship calibre. As the grid positions are set for Sunday’s race, all eyes are on how the drivers will fare under the lights of the Las Vegas strip, with the promise of a thrilling and unpredictable contest ahead.

 

The Las Vegas Grand Prix will kick off at 6:00 PM local time, with Russell, Sainz, and Gasly leading the charge, and Verstappen ready to challenge for the top spots. Fans can expect a spectacle under the night sky, with both individual and team battles reaching a fever pitch as the 2024 season heads towards its climax.

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