By Reia Morjaria, Year 13
Under the lights of the Las Vegas Strip, Formula 1 delivered an unforgettable spectacle as the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix brought glitz, drama, and edge-of-your-seat racing. In a city that thrives on the extraordinary, this race was more than a competition taking place on a circuit that winds its way through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Caesars Palace and the Bellagio Fountains. The night race ended with Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship, while Mercedes stunned the grid with a masterclass one-two finish, proving their dominance on the neon-soaked streets of Sin City.
The weekend began with a captivating qualifying session. George Russell’s pole position lap of 1:32.312 showed Mercedes’ ability to master the 6 km street circuit, a mix of high-speed straights and some tricky corners that are brutal to even the most minor mistakes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying sent him to 10th place on the grid, setting up for what would become one of his most determined performances of the season. Ferrari also showed promise, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc starting in strong positions to challenge the front of the grid. The build-up was tense, with fans speculating on whether Verstappen would secure his 4th title or if his rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, could keep the championship alive.
When the five lights went out, the drama began immediately. Russell launched perfectly, maintaining his lead, while chaos unfolded in the midfield, with multiple drivers fighting for positions through the tight street sections. Verstappen, starting fifth, took his time, aware that his battle was as much strategic as it was competitive. However, it was Hamilton who stole the early spotlight, carving his way through the pack with precise overtakes and clever technique. By lap 35, he was in second place, turning what seemed like an uphill battle into a stunning comeback. Behind him, the Ferraris of Sainz and Leclerc fought one another, with Sainz ultimately prevailing to take a podium spot, but not without controversy and backlash from Leclerc.
Amidst the on-track action, Verstappen’s focus never wavered. By keeping Lando Norris behind and finishing fourth, the Dutchman managed to seal his fourth consecutive title, joining the ranks of Formula 1’s greatest champions. The race finished with Russell taking a well-deserved victory, his second of the season, and Hamilton crossing the line in second to complete a beautiful Mercedes one-two. The result marked a significant milestone for Russell, who has grown into a strong force within the team, and for Hamilton, who proved he is far from done competing at the highest level and to claiming his 8th world title.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix wasn’t just a race but a spectacle. From the flashing Strip to the roaring crowds, celebrities to fans, the event symbolized Formula 1’s growing ambition to serve as both a sport and entertainment. Yet, the weekend also sparked questions about the sport’s commercial direction, with critics suggesting the glamour risked overshadowing its core identity. For now, though, fans can revel in a night that delivered real racing and historic achievements. As the 2024 season heads into its final stretch, all eyes turn to Abu Dhabi for the season finale, where the fight for the Constructors’ Championship will reach its exciting end. The Las Vegas Grand Prix may have crowned a champion, but the drama is far from over as Formula 1 prepares for its final act under the desert skies of the Yas Marina circuit.
