In a thrilling yet tumultuous Las Vegas Grand Prix, Kiwi driver Liam Lawson’s race was upended before it truly began, leaving fans wondering what could have been. After a dramatic collision on the opening lap, Lawson’s hopes for a strong finish were dashed, ultimately landing him in 16th place. But here’s where it gets controversial: was the Turn 1 incident with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri simply a racing mishap, or did it reveal deeper challenges for Lawson? Let’s dive in.
The chaos began when Lawson, driving for Racing Bulls, locked up at the first turn, clipping Piastri’s car. This contact damaged Lawson’s front end, sending him spiraling down the order. Both drivers were investigated, but stewards deemed no further action necessary—a decision that might spark debate among fans. Lawson spent the rest of the race at the back of the grid, crossing the line second to last among the remaining runners. A tough pill to swallow, especially after he labeled his Las Vegas outing last season as his ‘worst race’ of the year.
Meanwhile, Lawson’s teammate, Isack Hadjar, secured an impressive eighth-place finish, while Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda—Lawson’s main rival for a seat next year—came in 14th. And this is the part most people miss: Tsunoda’s performance could have significant implications for Lawson’s future in the sport. Will this race tip the scales in the ongoing seat battle?
At the front of the pack, Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass, clinching his sixth win of the season. His victory narrows the gap with championship leader Lando Norris, keeping the title fight alive. The opening lap was nothing short of chaotic, with pole-sitter Norris attempting a bold move to fend off Verstappen but running wide at the first corner, surrendering his lead.
Mercedes’ George Russell capitalized on the chaos, sweeping past Norris to claim second place—a position Norris later reclaimed. Verstappen, however, remained untouchable, seizing control of the race. Piastri finished fourth, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli rounding out the top five.
With just three races left in the 2025 Formula 1 season—the Qatar sprint and main race, followed by the Abu Dhabi finale—the stakes have never been higher. But here’s the burning question: Can Norris hold onto his lead, or will Verstappen’s momentum prove unstoppable? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
