Red Bull’s Max Verstappen eyes fourth straight World Drivers’ Championship at Las Vegas Grand Prix

The GIST: The world’s fastest drivers are hitting the streets of Sin City this weekend, with only three races left on the calendar. From the championship battle to the ins and outs of the circuit itself, it’s time to go all in on Sunday’s 1 a.m. ET Grand Prix.

The setting: Yes, last year’s event was a logistical nightmare, but that hasn’t tempered expectations this time around. Between Vegas’ sights and sounds and the A-list celebs, the second edition of F1’s newest race should be truly spectacular with famed landmarks serving as the backdrop.

• The Sphere and The Strip are iconic in their own right and offer riveting racing: The long straight of The Strip and the location of The Sphere are the perfect spots to overtake, aka pass, other cars. Drama, loading.

• And because Vegas is a street circuit (meaning the race is on city streets instead of an actual race track), the barriers make the road extra narrow, leaving virtually no room for error.

What’s on the line: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s fourth straight World Drivers’ Championship is his to lose after his stunning victory in Brazil three weeks ago. Now all the Dutchman has to do to clinch the individual title is finish ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris or ensure Norris doesn’t beat him by more than three points.

• And while the individual glory is nearly secured, the World Constructors’ Championship (aka team title) is far from done and dusted. Only 49 points separate the top three teams, and with an influx of cash for 2025 on the line, there’s millions to race for… literally.