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2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – After Lando Norris took a dominant Sprint and Grand Prix victory at the Sao Paulo GP to extend his World Driver’s Championship lead to 24 points over McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and 40 points over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, round 22 of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship season returns to Las Vegas, Nevada, United States for the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025. This will be first part of the final triple header of the 2025 campaign alongside the Qatar and season-closing Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

 

2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – A look at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit

 

 

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is a 6.201 kilometre (3.853 mile) temporary street circuit, which runs anti-clockwise and has 17 corners and a 1.900 kilometre (1.181 mile) straight. It begins in a former parking lot which was bought by Formula One for $240 million and developed for the paddock and pit area and also contains a permanent track.

 

The first corner is a hairpin, and after that the circuit bends slightly left and then into a fast right, transitioning from the permanent track to the city streets. The cars go 800 metres down Koval Lane, before entering a slow 90-degree right hander. It then enters a long, sweeping left which encircles the new Sphere arena, before going through a left-right twisty section and then a slightly quick left, which transitions onto Sands Avenue.

 

The track then goes through two very rapid bends on Sands Avenue before entering a slow left onto the Las Vegas Strip. This is a 1.900 kilometre (1.181 mile) flat-out section featuring two straights and a slight sweeping-left, which goes past some of Las Vegas’ most famous casinos and hotels such as Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Venetian. The circuit then goes through a tighter sequence of slow corners onto Harmon Avenue, down an 800 metre straight before going through a very quick left to complete the tour and transitions back to the permanent part of the circuit past the pits.

 

Las Vegas previously stages two Grands Prix under the Caesars Palace Grand Prix moniker in 1981 and 82, and also was the season finale on both occasions, with 1980 Formula One World Champion Alain Jones winning the 1981 race and Michele Alboreto taking victory for Tyrrell at the 1982 event. Meanwhile Nelson Piquet and Keke Rosberg scored the title in 81 and 82 respectively with fifth-place finishes.

 

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is 6.201km (3.853 miles) in length with 17 corners and runs in an anti-clockwise direction.

 

Race distance is 310.050km (192.650 miles) in length with 50 laps in total.

 

Mercedes’ George Russell won last year’s event whilst Max Verstappen was the winner of the inaugural race on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for Oracle Red Bull Racing.

 

Lando Norris holds the fastest lap record of a 1:34.876 set in his McLaren Formula 1 Team-Mercedes MCL38 racer.

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2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – Onboard Pole Position lap of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit

 

 

Here is the onboard pole position lap of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit set by George Russell at last year’s event with a 1:32.312 in his Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team F1 W15 racer: George Russell’s Pole Lap | 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix | Pirelli

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2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – Tyres

 

 

Sole-tyre supplier Pirelli will be bringing with them the softest tyres in their range to Las Vegas, the C3 white side-walled Hard rubber, the yellow-marked C4 P-Zero Medium tyres and the C5 red-branded Soft compounds along with the green-branded Intermediate and blue-marked Full Wet tyre compounds in case of rain.

 

There will be two sets of C3 Hards, three C4 Mediums and eight sets of C5 Soft tyres for all drivers.

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2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – DRS Zones

 

There will be two DRS Zones at Las Vegas. The first detection point is ten metres after turn two, with the activation point 20 metres after turn four. The second detection zone is ten metres after turn 12 with the activation point 20 metres before turn 14.

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2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – Pitlane Speed Limits

 

Pitlane speed limits will be 80km/h during practice, qualifying and the race.

 

ICYMI: Norris extends championship lead with victory at chaotic Brazil GP

 

 

Norris Brazil GP Victory – Championship leader Lando Norris took a solid victory in a dramatic Brazil GP ahead of Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli who took second and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who recovered from starting in the pit-lane and suffering a puncture to finish an impressive third place.

 

Norris completed a solid sweep of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend capturing both the Sprint and Grand Prix victories to extend his World Driver’s Championship lead over McLaren team-mate Piastri to 24 points and Red Bull’s Verstappen by a further 49 points behind the Briton.

 

Norris (390) – Piastri (366) – Verstappen (341).

 

In the World Constructor’s Championship fight for the runner up spot, it was a disastrous double DNF for Ferrari, which sees them slip to fourth on 362 points as Mercedes jump into second place on 398 points as Red Bull are promoted to third on 366 points as the sport heads to Las Vegas in a fortnight.

 

When the 71-lap Brazil GP began, pole-sitter Norris got another better start like yesterday into the Senna S as Antonelli covered both Leclerc and Piastri as further behind them, Sir Lewis Hamilton in the other Ferrari SF-25 entry had a horrible start falling to the rear.

 

The yellow flags were brought out after contact was made between home favourite Gabriel Bortoleto and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.

 

Camera shown Bortoleto was stuck in the barriers at turn ten.

 

At the beginning of the second tour Norris lead from Antonelli with Leclerc third, Piastri fourth, Hadjar fifth, Lawson sixth, Lawson seventh, Bearman eighth, Gasly ninth as Alonso completed the top ten.

 

The safety car was deployed for the debris clearance and Bortoleto’s C54 racer as Hamilton was limping back to the pits with a broken front wing.

 

The replays from the start showed Bortoleto was squeezed by Stroll but he did put his front wing into a space that was quickly closing, so that looked like a racing incident at a first glance. That tangle just caused the home favourite to lose control of his Sauber and hit the barriers.

 

As for Hamilton, he was tapped by Sainz’s FW47 entry at the start which sent the Ferrari driver wide, hence the initial loss of places. He then seemed to run into the back of Franco Colapinto’s Alpine A525 entry under his own steam, which was how he lost his front wing. The seven-time world champion had pitted for a fresh set hard tyres and a new front wing.

 

On the fourth tour – Bortoleto was out of the race, and Hamilton was last after a very slow stop even accounting for the new wing. The Briton had some of his front wing stuck under the car and was carrying floor damage at this stage too.

 

Norris led from Antonelli, Leclerc, Piastri and Hadjar. Lawson got Russell at the start and is sixth.

 

And Tsunoda also stopped to move from the hard tyre to the mediums.

 

The fifth lap – Hulkenberg lost out, he started 10th and was down in 13^th. Verstappen was holding 16th after picking up places on the opening lap before the Safety Car came out.

 

When the safety car ended and the race returned to green on lap six – Norris got a brilliant getaway into the Senna S as Antonelli got caught napping by Leclerc and Piastri as they ran three wide into turn one and the latter made a late lunge colliding with Antonelli as the Italian got sent into Leclerc knocking off the front left tyre and damaging the Ferrari’s suspension.

 

On the seventh lap – No Leclerc then, as Verstappen climbed more places – he was up to 13^th. So, Norris leads from team-mate Piastri and Antonelli, but a penalty coming for the Australian could be on the cards. Replays showed he was nearly halfway alongside the Mercedes. But nearly won’t be good enough. This will be a tight call for the race stewards if they have a look at that incident.

 

Leclerc was an innocent bystander in that tangle.

 

On the eight tour – Norris lead the race – that was about the only constant at this stage. Verstappen had pitted, after picking up a front-right puncture, so he is back down to 18^th with Stroll just in-front of the Red Bull.

 

On lap nine – Piastri was close on team-mate Norris, but he could quite make a move into the Senna S. And nothing from the stewards yet that they are investigating Piastri’s collision with Antonelli and Leclerc.

 

The McLarens had already dropped the Mercedes of Antonelli.

 

On lap ten – Norris was over 1.4 seconds clear of team-mate Piastri with Antonelli third, Hadjar fourth, Russell fifth, Lawson sixth, Bearman seventh, Gasly eighth, Albon ninth as Sainz rounded out the top ten.

 

The action was still coming rapidly – some contact between Tsunoda and Stroll had also been noted by the stewards.

 

But up-front, race leader Norris broke the DRS range from his teammate.

 

The rest of the top 10 has changed – Hadjar was fourth ahead of Russell who did get back past Lawson.

 

Bearman was seventh and ahead of Gasly, Albon and Sainz.

 

Lap 11 – The race stewards were still sifting through the incidents – there were many. But they had now noted Piastri and Antonelli. As such, the Australian needed to build a lead over the Italian, in case he does get hit with a time penalty.

 

The 12^th tour – Verstappen was on the favoured C3 medium compounds and flying. He had dropped Stroll and was all over the back of Hamilton at the back of the train. He was half a second faster than race leader Norris this stage of proceedings.

 

Russell picked off Hadjar for fourth place, and Tsunoda had a been hit with 10-second time penalty for the tangle with Stroll.

 

The 13^th lap – Race leader Norris was nearly two seconds clear of Piastri at this stage, who in turn was 1.4 seconds in-front of Antonelli. Not enough for Piastri if a penalty was incoming for the Australian.

 

Verstappen made short work of Hamilton into the Senna S, the Briton nursing a broken floor out there. Hamilton hanging it out for more incidents, and more retirements.

 

On lap 14 – Replays of the restart showed that Tsunoda braked very late and was not in full control and just hit the back of Stroll’s AMR25 entry, sending the Canadian into a spin.

 

Hamilton and Sainz had also been noted for their opening lap contact.

 

The 15^th lap – “Mate, I’m going to crash out here – car is crazy unstable.” Explained Hamilton as he came in to pit once more for a fresh set of C3 medium rubber with the Briton down in 17.

 

Lap 16 – Piastri and Antonelli were now under investigation, as Hamilton and Colapinto were ‘noted’ for the first lap tangle. Hamilton’s day could be about to get worse at this stage.

 

And right on cue, a 10-second time penalty was given to Piastri for causing a collision.

 

On the 17^th tour – 10 seconds for Piastri and when he pits, beforehand he needed to pull a gap here and so far, he was at this stage 1.9 seconds clear of Antonelli.

 

Further back, Verstappen was up to 12^th place and flying.

 

And there was no further investigation between Hamilton and Sainz, which looked like a racing incident. Hamilton and Colapinto, less so.

 

Lap 18 – The situation up-front – Race leader Norris in fresh air was flying, he was 3.4 seconds ahead of his team-mate Piastri. Verstappen had overtaken Alonso, as Bearman and Sainz both pitted.

 

The 19^th tour – Sainz had swapped from the softs to the C3 mediums, Bearman had done likewise. Those two had come out either side of Hamilton down the rear of the field, and that promoted Hulkenberg and Tsunoda into the top 10 as more drivers stopped.

 

Gasly and Hadjar pitted, which released Verstappen – the Dutchman up to seventh.

 

Lap 20 – Norris remained out in-front on the mediums. Piastri in second was on the same compound and had extended a little to Antonelli but not enough with that penalty coming.

 

The 21^st tour – “We think it is more Plan B, maybe even Plan D,” Race leader Norris was told. Softs then likely and to avoid the hards.

 

Albon had just not defended as Verstappen flew past and was up into fifth place. With different starting tyres and strategies in play, this one won’t unfold fully for a while.

 

The 22^nd lap – Antonelli got rid of his C4 softs, so everyone had ditched the red-marked rubber of those that started on that tyre.

 

But the Mercedes driver pitted into traffic, that was not good as he emerged in 11^th place behind Stroll. Russell was promoted to third, Verstappen fourth.

 

On lap 23 – Norris lead from Piastri, Russell and Verstappen. Albon was fifth ahead of Hulkenberg and Alonso. Tsunoda had stopped and was down in eighth.

 

Lap 24 – Norris was now over five seconds clear of his team-mate Piastri at this stage, so well clear of undercut range. Piastri was six seconds clear of Russell, so he still needed to build more of a gap.

 

The 25^th lap – Norris would extend his championship lead to 16 points over Piastri if the positions remained the same. Verstappen was seven seconds behind Russell, but with Piastri still to pit and having that penalty looming on the Australian. The Dutchman could still be on for a podium at this stage.

 

Lap 26 – Antonelli was back in the points paying positions after his pit-stop, the Italian was eighth behind Alonso. Eight drivers were still yet to pit, so plenty of strategy calls yet to play out at this time of the Grand Prix.

 

The 27^th tour – Tsunoda stopped again for more tyres and to serve his penalty – but the stewards had noted the Japanese driver for not serving that correctly, so he could be in further trouble. The Red Bull driver was down in 18^th.

 

Lap 28 – The situation was that plenty started on the C4 medium compounds, and that tyre was holding on today and looked the best race tyre. Could those who started on it hold on for a one-stop strategy and swap to the softs late on was the question.

 

The 29^th lap – Hamilton was given a five-second time penalty for hitting Colapinto at the start with the sole Ferrari driver down in 17^th.

 

Lap 30 – Norris led by almost seven seconds from Piastri, who had a 10-second penalty looming over him. Russell was a further 7.7 seconds behind the Australian.

 

Verstappen was 5.8 seconds adrift in fourth place and technically did not need to pit again but will as those tyres would not last the distance – so he was there on merit.

 

Lap 31 – Race leader Norris pitted for a set of the C4 softs and emerged in fourth place behind Verstappen.

 

On the 32^nd tour – Piastri lead the race and had fresh air in-front. Could Norris get his soft tyres to the end? It seemed unlikely. So, the championship leader needed to stop again, so does Verstappen and he was ahead on the track.

 

Russell was second, and also in the mix and Antonelli could not be ruled out.

 

Lap 33 – Norris on his fresher softs flew past Verstappen. The Dutchman did not put up a fight on that too much, with the Dutchman on 25-lap-old medium tyres.

 

So, Norris was back in-front of Verstappen with both likely to pit again.

 

Up-front, Piastri needed to push on if he wanted to rescue his race.

 

The 34^th lap – Hamilton pitted again and served his five-second penalty. meanwhile, Tsunoda had been slapped with a second 10-second penalty, for not serving the first one correctly.

 

The 35^th tour – Piastri could not fit more mediums without committing to a two-stop strategy.

 

Russell and Verstappen both pitted, C3 mediums for the Dutchman, softs for Russell. That guaranteed a stop for Norris, unless a Safety Car would be deployed again. Norris was up into second place.

 

Lap 36 – Piastri lead at this stage having not pitted yet. Norris was 11 second back having stopped once. Antonelli is back into third place, ahead of Hulkenberg and Bearman.

 

Russell emerged in sixth place ahead of Hadjar, Verstappen was out in 11^th place.

 

The 38^th lap – The yet-to-pit Piastri was 8.256 seconds clear of team-mate Norris with Antonelli third, Russell fourth, Bearman fifth, Verstappen sixth, Gasly seventh, Lawson eighth, Sainz ninth as Ocon rounded out the top ten.

 

Hamilton was told to retire the car as Piastri came in to box and also serve his 10-second-timed penalty.

 

Lap 39 – Norris returned into the lead as Piastri emerged down in eighth place after his stop and on the C4 softer compounds behind Lawson.

 

The 40^th lap – The second-place battle for the Constructor’s Championship heated up – A double DNF for Ferrari, that does dent their Constructors’ Championship chances, especially with both Mercedes cars set for a solid points haul, and Red Bull likely to score with Verstappen.

 

Antonelli was holding second, Russell third and Verstappen fifth.

 

The 41^st tour – The situation at this stage of proceedings was Norris leading the race by nearly eight seconds from Antonelli, who was on older rubber. Those two likely needed to stop again, as potentially does Russell – but how long the softer compounds would go on lighter fuel loads was an unknown.

 

Bearman was up into fourth, he was quietly having another very good race, and Verstappen was in play for the podium in fifth place. Piastri had picked off Lawson for sixth. He was five seconds behind the Red Bull.

 

On the 42^nd lap – Hamilton retired with floor damage sustained in first lap tangle with both Sainz and then Colapinto. Leclerc parked-up with front suspension damage after being hit by Antonelli, who had been hit by Piastri.

 

And Bortoleto crashed out on the opening lap after contact with Stroll, who later contacted Tsunoda, but was still racing.

 

Lap 43 – Piastri was told that he needed to use his pace to “catch and undercut” Bearman and Russell. he was also told Verstappen would help him with that – Bearman suffered a very slow stop and came out in 11^th place behind Alonso.

 

The 44^th tour – Race leader Norris was nursing his tyres, as he tried to extend this second stint. Replays showed it was sticky front-left for Bearman that costed him around a second and a half on his slow stop.

 

The 45^th lap – The situation was Norris leading from Antonelli and Russell, who was closing in on his team-mate. Verstappen was holding fourth, Piastri fifth. Game on for the final podium place, but barring any chaos, Norris was looking good on course for the victory at this stage.

 

Behind the top five, Lawson was sixth in-front of Ocon, Hulkenberg, Albon and Alonso.

 

Lap 46 – “This doesn’t look very pretty to me,” explained Piastri of his strategy, he sounded like a man who knows his Championship hopes lie in the balance. But his engineer assured him that he just needs to drive and leave the strategy to them.

 

The 47^th lap – Piastri was closing on Verstappen and was just 3.4 seconds behind. Verstappen was closing in on Russell and dragging Piastri with him.

 

Verstappen might not pit again. The rest likely were.

 

The 48^th tour – Second-placed Antonelli pitted for a set of the C3 mediums and emerged in sixth place behind Lawson.

 

Lap 49 – Russell reacted to his team-mate Antonelli and pitted for another set of mediums (three laps younger) and emerged in sixth place behind the fellow Mercedes driver.

 

Meanwhile on-track, Bearman and Hulkenberg were side by side through corner after corner. Hard, fair, decent racing but Bearman on the fresh tyres eventually got the best of the German and was up to seventh.

 

Lap 50 – Norris was 14.9 second in-front and likely needed to stop again, so might have to pick off the Dutchman using fresher tyres on track later on.

 

On the 51^st tour – Race leader Norris peeled off for a set of mediums (nine laps old) and came out in third behind team-mate Piastri.

 

Lap 52 – Piastri pitted from second releasing Norris as the Australian put on a set of mediums (nine laps older like Norris) and came out in seventh place behind Bearman’s VF-25 entry.

 

The 53^rd lap – The situation was race leader Verstappen on 18-lap-old mediums in the lead, Norris was on 11 lap-old-mediums. Verstappen had new softs available if he stopped again.

 

Antonelli in third was on 10 lap old mediums, and Russell was 2.2 seconds behind his team-mate.

 

Lap 54 – Verstappen was seven seconds clear of Norris, and Norris was lapping half-a-second faster. Antonelli was even faster than that, but he was five seconds behind the McLaren.

 

And now Verstappen was told to pit.

 

Lap 55 – Verstappen stopped for his fresh set of softs and came out in fourth place behind Russell and ahead of Lawson and Piastri.

 

The top four do not need to pit again. Lawson in fifth might need to.

 

The 56^th tour – Lawson held him up a lap or two longer than ideal. but Piastri was past the Kiwi. The Australian was 3.3 seconds behind Verstappen, but the Dutchman was on newer and faster tyres. So, unless that soft goes off the cliff – Verstappen might drag Piastri through, rather than the McLaren driver battling with the Dutchman directly.

 

Lap 57 – Antonelli was told to give it everything. He did have team-mate Russell as rear gunner, but how long can Russell keep Verstappen behind. The gap between those two was at 4.4 seconds and Verstappen was running a second faster a lap.

 

The 58^th tour – The question was had Verstappen taken too much life from his softs too quickly? If yes, Piastri was not out of this. Russell was told his brakes were on the limit though, so Mercedes ahead could yet be vulnerable to the Red Bull and McLaren behind.

 

Lap 59 – Norris was heading for the victory – he was six seconds ahead of Antonelli.

 

Antonelli was just 2.5 seconds up on his team-mate Russell, who had brake issues. Verstappen in fourth was now just 2.8 seconds behind and charging but was on softs. Then comes Piastri, 4.2 seconds behind the Dutchman so he was not closing yet.

 

Verstappen was told by Race Engineer Giampiero Lambiase “P2 is on, assuming you can control the deg.”

 

The 61^st lap – Verstappen would have DRS on Russell next time around, as the Mercedes man continues to lift and coast to protect his brakes. Piastri had not closed the gap one bit, so he would not be able to follow the Red Bull.

 

With ten laps remaining – Norris’s lead was at 7.010 seconds over Antonelli with Russell third and Verstappen right behind in fourth, Piastri fifth, Bearman sixth, Lawson seventh, Hulkenberg eighth, Hadjar ninth as Gasly rounded out the top ten.

 

With nine tours left – Verstappen with DRS assistance and a move around the outside of Russell into the Senna S to move up into third place.

 

Lap 64 – Verstappen was on the rostrum on merit after starting in the pit lane in a dry race. He was 2.2 seconds behind Antonelli, as Piastri closes in to 2.6 seconds behind Russell.

 

The 65^th lap – Third-placed Verstappen had reduced the gap, but not as quickly as he would have liked – he was still two seconds off Antonelli. Had the softs run out of life or had Antonelli nursed his mediums ready to save the best until last was the question.

 

Piastri could have DRS on Russell in a lap or two in the battle for fourth place.

 

The 66^th tour – Championship leader Norris was eight seconds clear of these squabbles behind and had a solid race throughout.

 

Lap 67 – Verstappen was 1.1s behind Antonelli, so he did not have DRS yet. Nor did Piastri, who was 1.2 seconds behind Russell.

 

Could the Mercedes drivers hold on?

 

Further back there were scraps for the points, Lawson on a one-stopper and Hulkenberg likewise trying to hold off Hadjar and Gasly.

 

The 68^th lap – Verstappen was right in DRS range on second-placed Antonelli as behind them Piastri was 1.1 seconds behind Russell.

 

Lap 69 – Could Antonelli fight this off? Medium tyres versus soft tyres, rookie fights experiences and grit.

 

Verstappen could not find a window on this tour yet as Piastri finally got into DRS range on Russell.

 

The penultimate lap – Antonelli was using his battery brilliantly. The Italian held him off into turn one and turn four as well. Behind them, Piastri was not quite as close to Russell, although he did have DRS.

 

Norris crossed the line to score back-to-back victories and win the Brazil GP by 10.388 seconds over Antonelli and extended his championship lead.

 

Antonelli just kept Verstappen behind to hold second place as Russell also managed to keep the charging Piastri at bay for fourth place.

 

Bearman continued his stunning form for Haas taking sixth place and in-front of RB pairing Lawson and Hadjar who were seventh and eighth respectively.

 

Hulkenberg reached the chequered flag ninth as Gasly completed the final points place.

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2025 Las Vegas GP – The Situation

 

 

Formula 1 heads to the famous streets of Las Vegas this weekend with the fight to become 2025 World Driver’s Champion still alive as the campaign reaches its final decisive three Grands Prix and a Sprint.

 

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit begins the triple header sequence with the duo of races in the Middle East in Qatar and the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 

McLaren’s Lando Norris is now in the driver’s seat for the World Driver’s Championship after impressive victories at the two previous races saw the Briton establish a 24-point lead over team-mate Oscar Piastri ahead of the sport’s third visit to the United States of America.

 

Nothing is done yet with still 86 points up for grabs this campaign.

 

But, whilst the title race cannot be settled in Las Vegas, both Piastri and Verstappen both need solid weekends this weekend.

 

Piastri will attempt to end what has been a form slump of five rounds without a podium, whilst Verstappen – who wrote off his chances last time out at Interlagos after he dropped to 49 points adrift of Norris – the reigning world champion needs to outscore Norris by nine or more points to remain in mathematical contention heading to the Qatar Grand Prix.

 

A twist in the fight could come between Norris, Piastri and Verstappen could come from the fact that McLaren and Red Bull were off the pace at last year’s event in Las Vegas, with Mercedes being dominant in the cool November conditions as George Russell lead from then team-mate Sir Lewis Hamilton in a Silver Arrows one-two.

 

Ferrari have secured front-row starts and podium finishes in both the first two events in Las Vegas and will be keen for another solid Vegas showing after dropping to fourth in the World Constructor’s Championship standings, with focus on the famous Maranello-marque and their drivers heavily criticised by chairman John Elkann after the performance in Brazil.

 

Norris heads to Las Vegas sitting on top of the World Driver’s Championship with 390 points and a 24-point lead over McLaren’s team-mate Piastri who is second on 366 points whilst Red Bull’s Verstappen is a further 49 behind the Briton in third on 341 points.

 

McLaren Formula 1 Team comes to Las Vegas with the World Constructor’s Championship secured and on top with 756 points and a massive 358-point advantage over nearest rivals Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team who are second on 398 points whilst Oracle Red Bull Racing are third and a further 390 behind the Woking based-outfit on 366 points.

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2025 Las Vegas GP – A glimpse into 2026 – Audi reveal R26 Concept

 

 

On November 12, Audi provided a preview of the company’s presence in Formula 1 by revealing it’s R26 Concept at its Brand Experience Centre in Munich.

 

The German automotive giant, who have enjoyed success in various motorsport categories, are entering Formula 1 next year with their own chassis and power-train built to the sweeping new rules and regulations, after taking over Sauber.

 

“By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement,” explained Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.” According to Döllner, Audi is entering the racing series with an ambitious yet realistic roadmap: “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.” Döllner concluded, credit to Audi for the quote.

 

 

The Audi R26 Concept is a clear statement and provided a preview of the colour scheme and design of the brand’s first Formula 1 car, which will be unleashed on the world in January.

 

“The Audi R26 Concept is one of the first expressions of this new design system,” explained Audi CCO Massimo Frascella. “We want to have the most striking car on the grid. We want to be the most daring brand off the track. And we want to create a cultural impact that goes beyond the grid.” Frascella concluded, credit to Audi for the quote.

 

The R26 Concept is one of the first expressions of the brand’s new visual identity. Minimal graphic surfaces, defined by precise geometric cuts, integrated seamlessly with the Formula 1 car’s geometry. The colour palette features titanium, carbon black and the newly introduced Audi red. As part of this identity, Audi will also sport red rings, used selectively to underscore its presence in the pinnacle of motorsport.

 

“This is the most exciting project in motorsports, if not in all sports,” added the Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto. “The goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030. That journey takes time, the right people and a mindset of continuous improvement. Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress. Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation. And it’s a team effort: engineers, mechanics, designers, partners — every contribution moves us forward. Soon, the first fire-up will mark another milestone. It’s not just machinery coming to life, but the passion and ambition of hundreds becoming reality. Early next year, Audi’s first F1 car will take to the track for the first time. That moment will be the beginning of something special.” Binotto concluded, credit to Audi for the quote.

 

Gabriel Bortoleto, who made his debut with Sauber this year, and veteran racer Nico Hulkenberg who scored his maiden Formula 1 podium at Silverstone, will continue into the Audi era as the squad’s driver line-up.

 

Both drivers signed multi-year contracts ensuring they are part of this exciting new era.

 

“Being part of Audi feels like a dream come true for me,” explained Bortoleto. “My big idol is Ayrton Senna. And it was Ayrton Senna who brought Audi to Brazil. When the Audi F1 Project started and I was given the chance to be part of it, it was like a gift for me. I am living my dream of driving in Formula 1 – and with Audi, a team that we are building from scratch.” Bortoleto concluded, credit to F1 for the quote.

 

Hulkenberg, who made his Formula 1 debut in 2010, scored his first-career podium in what was his 239th Grand Prix start at Silverstone in July and has proved to be a consistent points-scorer since arriving at Sauber.

 

“You can sense that something big is happening here,” Hulkenberg commented. “The team’s energy and ambitions are impressive, and the project’s positive atmosphere is truly tangible. This is the beginning of a long journey, and that’s exactly what motivates me.” Hulkenberg concluded, credit to F1 for the quote.

 

Future Audi F1 Team Principal Jonathon Wheatley also stated: “This journey is not just about the destination but about engaging with the people who make every step possible. It is about your mindset, focus, resilience and confidence without complacency. We will face setbacks, but each one will be a learning experience that will lead to new strength. A culture of belief and resilience is taking shape – a team empowered to push boundaries, be courageous, learn, and improve every day. Championship-winning teams are not built on magic – they are built on people who believe in each other, in the process, and in the destination. Our project is more than building a team. It is about shaping the future of F1 – with talent, visionary partners and the transformation of the Audi brand. We have a mindset that dares to redefine what a racing team can be.” Wheatley concluded, credit to Audi for the quote.

 

Audi Formula 1 Team will make its official debut with the official team launch in January 2026. Shortly after, the first official test drives with the new-generation Formula 1 cars will take place at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya behind closed doors. With further tests being undertaken at the Bahrain International Circuit (11-13 February and 18-20 February), the Audi F1 Team will test in Formula 1 for the first time in-front of the public before the brand’s longly-anticipated debut on the streets of Albert Park for the season-opening Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026 from Friday March 6-Sunday March 8, 2026.

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2025 Las Vegas GP Preview – Red Bull and Racing Bulls to joint-launch with Ford in Detroit

 

 

On November 11, it was announced that Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team will together launch their 2026 Formula One World Championship campaigns at Ford’s home of Detroit, Michigan.

 

January 15, 2026, the two outfits with Ford will launch their respective liveries for the new generation cars, ahead of the sweeping raft of rules and regulations, whilst also introducing Red Bull Ford Powertrains ahead of its debut as a power-train manufacturer.

 

Paying tribute to Ford’s heritage, Red Bull has opted to introduce their landmark season in the motor city of Detroit, celebrating an alliance that has delivered the very first Red Bull Ford Powertrains engine.

 

CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies stated: “The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together. To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring. It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport. We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.” Mekies concluded, credit to Red Bull for the quote.

 

President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, Jim Farley added: “Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026. But this is about so much more than just the racing. It is about how we use our learnings from F1 to make our cars and trucks better for our customers. What we will learn together with Red Bull will define the technologies of the future and that is what excites me most about this relationship.”

 

CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team, Peter Bayer commented: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Ford back into the world of Formula One. With over 125 years of heritage, innovation, and absolute dedication to performance, Ford embodies the same competitive spirit that drives our team. This partnership brings together global brands united by a love of racing and a commitment to pushing boundaries. As a member of the Red Bull family and together with our title partners; Visa and Cash App, we see huge opportunities to join forces and connect with a new generation of fans and showcase the future of performance and mobility on a global stage. Launching this new era in Detroit, the birthplace of Ford, makes it all the more special.”

 

Click here for the 2025 Formula 1 World Driver’s (Top 10) and Constructors Championship Standings

 

The Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 weekend begins Friday November 21 with Free Practice 1 and 2, followed by Free Practice 3 and Qualifying Saturday November 22 and the 50 lap Race Sunday November 23.