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Tyres NorthamptonWith F1 being much tighter this season, 2024's visit might hit another jackpot on Saturday night.
One driver who looks set for Sin City celebrations is Max Verstappen. The championship leader could clinch his fourth title in Las Vegas after his superb Sao Paulo Sunday earlier this month. Lando Norris would need to outscore the Red Bull racer by at least two points to remain in mathematical contention, but the Briton's dreams of taking this year's crown look well and truly over.
Checking your alarm clock is set should be the first thing to watch out for this weekend. All the sessions come a day earlier than usual to accommodate a Saturday night race, and most on-track action will happen overnight for European fans. Remember to turn off any notifications and avoid social media if you plan on catching up later in the day after a lie-in.
While Verstappen's potential title will occupy the TV graphics depending on where he and Norris sit, the closer fight is in the World Constructors' Championship. McLaren and Ferrari have vaulted past Red Bull in the teams' table, and any of the three could win out by the Abu Dhabi finale. Though it doesn't have the same prestige as the World Drivers' Championship, tens of millions of dollars in prize money are at stake for the victor.
Also, keep an eye out for special liveries and one-off helmets from the teams and drivers. Last year's event saw a host of eye-catching colour changes throughout the grid, and the build-up for the 2024 Las Vegas GP suggests the same. VCARB showcased a 'glitter' livery earlier this week, Sauber and Williams will also have a tinkered look, and Alpine released a pink livery for the rest of the season. Esteban Ocon revealed a Captain America helmet, with other drivers changing their lids for the event, albeit with less Marvel comic inspiration.
Pirelli is sticking to the three softest tyres for the latest street race, meaning the teams will choose from the C3, C4, and C5 compounds. This trio also accompanied F1 in Mexico City and Sao Paulo, so the drivers should be familiar with the rubber's behaviour.
Aside from the additional grip on what are usually public roads (including arguably the most famous road – The Strip), these tyres should better contend with the extreme temperature ranges in Nevada's November. Although sunshine will prevail during the day, the mercury will drop to single digits during the cool desert nights.
Verstappen might have a long weekend in Vegas of title celebrating that'd rival scenes from The Hangover, but he's not guaranteed to win the race. His Sao Paulo GP victory ended a four-month absence from the podium's top step. Changeable conditions helped the Dutchman overcome any Red Bull car deficits in Brazil, but rain can't help him in the Mojave.
F1 has had five drivers winning its five previous races since the Azerbaijan GP in September. Any of these could add to their victory tally should they find some extra performance in Las Vegas. Ferrari looked the team to beat in the dry-weather United States and Mexico City GP last month. They might have the advantage of heading to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, but a month is a long time in this sport for others to catch up in the non-stop development race.
McLaren will want to throw everything they have at these final three rounds to beat their Italian rivals to the constructors' title. Oscar Piastri has been the faster driver in papaya colours multiple times this year. With Norris effectively out of the championship hunt, the Aussie might fancy his chances at a third F1 win. In short, it's anyone's guess who could score big in Vegas on Saturday night.
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The evening entertainment from the last three races will feel like a long time ago on Sunday, with the race starting at 6 AM for British viewers. Qualifying is no better, with Q1 starting 24 hours earlier at 6 AM on Saturday morning.
Qualifying – On air: 5 AM, Session start: 6 AM Saturday 23rd November
Race – On air: 4:30 AM, Session start: 6 AM Sunday 24th November
Qualifying – Highlights: 10:10 AM Saturday 23rd November
Race – Highlights: 12:30 PM Sunday 24th November
Qualifying/Race – Unsurprisingly, there'll be no repeat of Brazil's monsoons Brazil, but it's going to be a chilly time for the drivers. Qualifying could end with temperatures as low as 9°C, while the race looks set for a milder 17°C.