F1 begins the final part of its 2024 season, with a final hat-trick of races which begins this weekend in Las Vegas before going to Qatar then Abu Dhabi, without any break between these three races, to end a long year of 24 races.
Despite a drivers' title very close to being decided, this end of the season will not be without challenges. We have notably listed the five major challenges of these last races. And the races promise to be very close and exciting.
But the world drivers' crown could be decided this weekend, in the capital of Nevada, where Max Verstappen could be crowned world champion for the fourth time after his superb victory in Brazil. We have also listed the scenarios that would make Verstappen the equal of Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost.
The route
Turns 1/2 – After a final fast turn and a rather short start/finish straight, turns 1 and 2 are taken at low speed, with however a turn 2 which is in fact a direct exit from turn 1.
Turns 3/4 – In the sequence of the first two turns, these curves considered as 2 in reality only form one fairly long one, before the first DRS zone, which then leads to a turn 5 at a right angle.
Turns 7-9 – After passing around the famous Las Vegas Sphere, drivers will experience a rather slow chicane before a left-hand hairpin, this one leading into two fast turns.
Turn 12 – This right angle leads to the famous Strip, which will then see the drivers go up the legendary avenue in front of all its most famous places. Turn 13 will be flat out as it is actually a straight line.
Turns 14-16 – At the end of the Strip and the second DRS zone, the circuit makes a right angle again before two fairly fast turns. After a very long straight line which will cause the tires to cool, this turn 14 promises to be one of the trickiest on the circuit, because the drivers will arrive there at full speed.
The forces present
The Las Vegas circuit and its long straights could be advantageous for Ferrari, which will have one of the last chances in its season to regain points from McLaren, with a view to seeking the constructors' world title.
Indeed, the other two races could be favorable to McLaren, which will therefore have to limit the damage in Las Vegas against the Scuderia. The question will be Red Bull's ability to insert itself between the two teams, and the level of Oscar Piastri, who has been behind in recent weekends.
The peloton will once again offer an impressive battle, and we can expect to see a fight between Haas and RB F1, who will be keen to take sixth place from Alpine. The French team could be less comfortable than in the rain in Brazil.
Las Vegas Grand Prix schedules
The schedules of the Las Vegas Grand Prix are very close to those of Japan, since the weekend takes place from Thursday evening to Saturday evening in the gaming capital. With the time difference of 9 hours to the west, and a race which will be at 10 p.m. locally, we will be able to experience qualifying and the race at 7 a.m.
– Friday November 22
3:30-4:30 a.m.: Free Practice 1
7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.: Free Practice 2
– Saturday November 23
3:30-4:30 a.m.: Free Practice 3
7h00-8h00 : Qualifications
– Sunday November 24
7h00-9h00 : Course
The winners of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
| Year | Circuit | Winner | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | vegas | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
