The three-time World Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands secured this 18th Formula 1 victory of the season by winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the USA on Sunday.

Verstappen was made to work hard for the win as he survived a time penalty and multiple Safety Car periods to win the first race in Sin City since 1982.

Verstappen took the checkered flag in just over two seconds quicker than Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, while Perez took third.

The podium by Perez ensured Red Bull of their first one-two finish in the Constructors Championship.

Speaking after his win, Verstappen, said it was quite a tough and competitive race.

“It was a tough one. I tried to go for it with Leclerc at the start,” said Verstappen.

“I think we both braked quite late, then I just ran out of grip and we ended up a bit wide, so the stewards gave me a penalty for that.

“Of course, that put us a little bit on the backfoot, I had to pass quite a few cars, then the Safety Car came out again. At the point already there was a lot going on in the race. Once we had the message to the end, we could go flat-out.

“I think we were happy not to touch it because it looked already quite broken. Of course, the structure was fine, but it’s never ideal, let’s say it like that. There was always a bit more understeer, but luckily, we could still win the race.”

“A great crowd. I hope everyone enjoyed it – we definitely did. I’m already excited to come back here next year and hopefully try to do something similar.”

The win has ensure Verstappen of another record and that was to claim a season hat-trick in the USA as he also won the Miami and the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. 

He has also tied the former Red Bull driver and four-time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, for 53 career wins.

The season will conclude on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport