The paddock was buzzing this weekend in Las Vegas. George Russell snatched pole position, Carlos Sainz will start P2 but it was Pierre Gasly who most impressed the fans with an incredible P3.
Between chaotic qualifying session and the massive stakes surrounding the Formula 1 world title, the race is shaping up to be a spectacular event.
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Russell dominates qualifying, Gasly shines with P3
In a dramatic qualifying session, George Russell secured a brilliant pole position. The Mercedes driver clocked an impressive 1:32.312, edging out Carlos Sainz in the final moments of Q3. Russell, who grazed the wall at Turn 5 during his first lap, redeemed himself with incredible precision. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly delivered a standout performance, placing his Alpine in third, even ahead of Charles Leclerc. Verstappen, despite being poised to clinch the title, had to settle for a modest fifth place, just ahead of his rival Lando Norris. This grid setup promises an explosive start, especially on a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!
P3 BABY!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bwVK09BtTC
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 23, 2024
Colapinto and Perez struggle: turbulent Q1 and Q2
The early stages of qualifying were marked by yellow flags and crashes. Franco Colapinto, a rookie with Williams, slammed into the wall in Q2, causing a lengthy delay to repair the barriers. This incident dashed the hopes of several drivers, including Kevin Magnussen and Esteban Ocon, who narrowly missed out on Q3. In Q1, Sergio Perez once again disappointed, failing to qualify for the ninth time this season. His lack of pace raised eyebrows, especially compared to Verstappen’s usual dominance in race conditions. Over at Aston Martin, the weekend turned into a nightmare as both Alonso and Stroll were eliminated in Q1, hindered by technical issues and poor preparation.
Verstappen on the verge of the title, but nothing is guaranteed
The Las Vegas Grand Prix could crown Max Verstappen as a four-time champion. To do so, the Dutchman simply needs to finish ahead of Norris. However, with such an unpredictable grid, one mistake could change everything. On a demanding street circuit like this, with its long straights and tricky corners, nothing is certain. Recent history reminds us that unexpected events like a safety car or penalties can shuffle the deck in an instant. While Russell aims to convert his pole into a victory, and Sainz and Gasly hope to capitalize on their strong starting positions, all eyes will be on Verstappen and his quest for the crown.
This article explores the thrilling qualifying session of the 2024 Las Vegas GP, where George Russell shined while Max Verstappen edges closer to his fourth world title. Between Gasly’s impressive performance and the struggles of Perez and Aston Martin, the race promises to deliver a unique spectacle. The championship could be decided here, but the unpredictable Las Vegas circuit holds plenty of surprises in store.
Image: Media Alpine F1 Team
