Las Vegas didn’t need its neon lights—the race itself was electric. The start lights went out and the chaos detonated instantly. Norris launched from pole but was swallowed by Verstappen before the first minute, with Russell slipping past as well. Behind them, Bortoleto braked way too late, torpedoed Stroll, and both were out before the night even began.
Leclerc came alive after the yellow flag, slicing through the pack like a laser. Hamilton used the chaos as fuel and climbed to 12th. A Virtual Safety Car from an Albon–Hamilton touch slowed things briefly before the field exploded into action again.
With 15 laps to go, Norris regained second from Russell, but destiny had other plans. Antonelli climbed 13 spots but lost everything to a start penalty. Hamilton gained nine. Madness everywhere.
Verstappen crossed the line first—pumped, confident, alive in the championship fight. The podium was set… or so we thought.
Then the stewards dropped a bomb. Both McLarens were DISQUALIFIED after the skid block thickness failed regulation checks. Norris’s P2? Gone. Piastri’s P4? Vaporized.
The standings erupted: Verstappen and Piastri now tied. Norris still ahead, but barely. Two races left. The championship fight is officially on fire.