In Brazil, under torrential rain, Max Verstappen had almost killed all suspense for the world title three weeks ago. During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Sunday November 24, the Dutchman authoritatively asserted his hegemony in Formula 1, securing a fourth world championship title by finishing 5e of the race. But that doesn’t mean the end of the season no longer has any interest. On the contrary, the last two races in Qatar, the 1is December, and in Abu Dhabi on December 8, should be exciting to follow.
Norris will have to resist the return of Leclerc
Behind Verstappen, the place of vice-world champion will be played out between Lando Norris (McLaren, 340 points) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, 319 points). The Briton, long in the fight for first place, has collapsed in recent weeks, notably at Interlagos, when he started in pole position. After Las Vegas, only 21 points separate the two drivers, since the Monegasque further reduced the gap by finishing 4e Sunday.
Already runner-up to the Dutchman in 2022, the Ferrari driver has more experience than his competitor at the end of the season which counts. Both winners three times this season, they should put up a good battle in Qatar then in the United Arab Emirates. But be careful not to exceed the limits: a withdrawal could condemn one or the other depending on the racing scenarios.
McLaren – Ferrari, duel of constructors
If the on-track clash between Norris and Leclerc will be thrilling to follow from an individual point of view, it is also of capital importance in the fight for the constructors’ world title. While the supremacy of Red Bull and Mercedes, winners of the last 14 world championships (from 2010 to 2023), will probably end, – the Austrian team (3e) being a little further behind in the standings (555 points), weighed down by the performances of Sergio Pérez -, McLaren (608 points) and Ferrari (584 points) are preparing to engage in an intense fight until December 8.
READ ALSO. The standings of the constructors’ world championship after the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The gap narrowed further at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix (24), thanks in particular to the podium of Carlos Sainz (3e), and it could be even smaller after the weekend in Qatar (a sprint will also be contested), Ferrari being on an upward slope unlike McLaren. The Italian team, the largest in the history of Formula 1 with 16 titles, could find a trophy that has eluded it since 2008. For its British counterpart, we have to go back even further, to 1998, to see the trace of his eighth and final coronation. Another era.
Alpine, at stake against Haas and Racing Bulls
While Alpine had been navigating troubled waters since the start of the season, completely off topic during numerous Grands Prix, the French team regained momentum in Brazil three weeks ago, boosted by the unexpected double podium of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. This historic performance achieved by the two Norman drivers had made the 9 team climbe at 6e place, before Las Vegas. With hope restored, it was possible to believe in another great operation from the Blues, Sunday November 24, the day after Gasly’s amazing qualifying session, 3e on the starting grid.
READ ALSO. “It hurts my heart”: Pierre Gasly retires during the Las Vegas GP after starting 3 e
But the latter was forced to retire due to a loss of speed on his car. Ocon not having existed, Alpine (49 points) did not score and allowed Haas (50 points) to get back in front for a very small unit, thanks to the 8e instead of the German Nico Hülkenberg. Racing Bulls (8e46 points) is also in contact, worn by the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda this season. This three-way match, which will be a huge game-changer in terms of cash flow for next year, should also be captivating.
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