"Max Verstappen dismisses thoughts of his future with Red Bull after securing the F1 championship, stating, 'It's certainly not something I'm considering. My mind is focused on nothing else.'"

After securing his fourth Formula 1 championship, Max Verstappen is not currently focusing on his future with the Red Bull team.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth world title by finishing in fifth place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

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The driver from the Netherlands has become part of a select group of racers who have achieved four back-to-back drivers' championships, alongside legends like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton.

Although he has achieved significant success in the past four years, his continued presence in Formula 1 and with Red Bull remains a frequent topic of discussion.

Earlier this year, Mercedes showed significant interest in bringing Verstappen on board. In contrast, Verstappen has indicated that he does not intend to continue racing into his 40s, unlike Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

After securing his championship victory, Verstappen discussed his future with Sky Sports.

He responded, saying, "I'm incredibly proud to be a member of this team. We're marking our fourth world championship win together. That's all I'm thinking about right now; nothing else is on my mind."

In 2024, Verstappen's championship win stands out as particularly remarkable, especially considering that McLaren has consistently had a faster car since the race in Imola in May.

The turning point of the championship occurred in Brazil, where Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills in the rain to secure an important win.

Looking back on his recent championship victory, he expressed: "It feels amazing. This season has been lengthy, filled with numerous competitions—some were excellent, while others were challenging. The key was to make the most out of each track."

"Naturally, there are times when it's necessary to minimize harm. Ultimately, I am extremely proud of our accomplishments."

2023 "remains a favorite"

Even with how he achieved his title win, Verstappen continues to favor 2023.

Verstappen secured victory in 19 out of 22 races during the previous year, achieving a streak of 10 consecutive wins during the season's midpoint.

"Each championship has its own unique characteristics," he stated. "Although last year's victory remains my favorite, I occasionally feel that some people didn't fully recognize the significance of our achievement in winning 10 consecutive titles."

"Our car was powerful, but I believe it wasn't as overwhelmingly superior as many might assume. This victory is particularly significant. It's all about how we managed the entire situation."

Connor, known for keenly observing the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, is central to our impartial coverage.

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Lewis Hamilton comments on Max Verstappen's championship victory: "He has been flawless."

"They've been the top performers. He has not made any errors. It's well earned."

Lewis Hamilton has extended his congratulations to Max Verstappen for securing his fourth Formula 1 drivers' championship.

At the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen secured his fourth straight championship by finishing in fifth place, just ahead of his main competitor, Lando Norris.

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The Dutch driver has secured victory in eight races this season, with seven of those wins occurring in the first 10 races.

Since late June, Verstappen has only secured one victory, which was in Brazil, while McLaren has generally outperformed Red Bull.

Following the race in Las Vegas, Hamilton was questioned about his opinions regarding Verstappen's recent championship win.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he extended his congratulations to Max and his team for their outstanding performance over the last four years.

"They have performed exceptionally well. He has not made any errors. It is well-earned."

Regarding Hamilton's race performance, he managed to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place qualifying position to secure a second-place finish.

Mercedes achieved their first 1-2 finish of the season, with George Russell claiming victory.

Hamilton dismissed the notion of "what if," noting that his race speed might have surpassed Russell's. "No, I don't view it like that," he stated. "I'm focused on the future. It was satisfying to make progress today. I'm really pleased."

He mentioned, "I believe the team doesn't fully grasp the reasons behind our speed. The car performed exceptionally well today. It was an impressive display. The crew executed the pit stops brilliantly."

"It's incredible for us to secure the top two spots. I'm thankful that I managed to regain all the positions I lost, and if I had performed as expected yesterday, the race might have been a bit simpler. I really enjoyed starting from that position."

"It brought back memories of my childhood at Rye House, where I used to pass other people on the track."

Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's debates and narratives, is the driving force behind our impartial journalism.

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Damon Hill comments on Max Verstappen’s "sometimes losing control" following his F1 title victory.

Damon Hill quickly responds to Max Verstappen's championship win in Las Vegas.

Following Max Verstappen's win of his fourth Formula 1 championship, Damon Hill stirred up the driver's supporters by commenting on Verstappen's "sporadic lapses in self-control" in the context of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 championship by finishing in fifth place in Las Vegas, narrowly beating his closest competitor, Lando Norris, who finished just one position behind him.

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In 1996, Hill clinched the F1 world championship while racing for Williams and recently expressed strong disapproval of Verstappen's performance during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

A 64-year-old individual responded to Verstappen's championship victory by sharing a message on their X profile.

In his words, he acknowledged, "Credit is due to Red Bull and Max Verstappen. They have completely dominated under the current F1 rules, and naturally, Max has driven exceptionally well, despite some moments of losing composure!"

"The prospect of reaching seven titles is becoming more apparent. Could it even be eight? This will certainly keep our attention on Formula 1."

Hill's comment about "loss of self control" was primarily about the incidents where Verstappen forced Norris off the track on two occasions during the race in Mexico, resulting in him receiving two separate 10-second penalties.

During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction multiple times. He managed to finish in fifth place, but his race could have ended without a finish due to a collision with Hamilton.

Hill's remark regarding Verstappen upset many fans, resulting in numerous tweets aimed at him.

This led to a reaction from the former Sky F1 analyst.

Hill remarked, "Twitter was once enjoyable, but this new X platform isn't. Those who are negative tend to foster negative spaces. They simply don't know any different. People who aren't negative feel compelled to depart, which only heightens the level of negativity until it becomes corrosive. We all know what follows after that."

Norris and McLaren are aiming to secure the constructors' championship in Qatar next weekend.

With only two races remaining, they lead Ferrari by 24 points.

On his X account, Hill shared his thoughts about McLaren, noting: "Lando had some impressive things to say in the interview area. Stella's comments were noteworthy as well."

"Briefly tend to the injuries and then focus on the Constructors and the 2025 season. The ongoing battle seems endless."

Connor, with a keen sense for the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, is central to our objective journalism.

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George Russell Reconsiders Las Vegas Celebrations Following Pneumonia Recovery

George Russell discusses his decision to be cautious with celebrations after contracting pneumonia during the previous year's Las Vegas race.

George Russell decided against his idea of diving into a fountain to celebrate winning the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix due to worries about possibly falling sick.

The driver for Mercedes showcased a commanding performance starting from pole position in Las Vegas, securing victory ahead of his teammate, the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, marking his second triumph of the 2024 season.

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Russell expressed his desire to dive into the fountains located in front of the renowned Bellagio hotel as a way to celebrate his victory. However, he ultimately chose not to do so because the chilly weather discouraged him.

The British individual disclosed that he caught pneumonia during the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year and struggled with the illness during the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, as well as for a significant portion of the winter.

When questioned about whether he had leaped into the fountain, Russell responded, “I honestly had the desire to do it!” However, he added, “I felt so cold following the race that I feared it would make me seriously sick.”

Around this time a year ago, I came down with pneumonia, which left me unwell until mid-February, following trips to Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

"I thought to myself, 'I definitely want to go for it,' but then I remembered the difficulties I faced a year ago, considering how physically demanding it is."

"I'm drenched because of all the champagne!"

After the race, Russell communicated with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff via team radio, informing him that he planned to remain in Las Vegas to celebrate his victory.

Russell had a funny conversation over the radio:

TW: “George, how about grabbing a drink in Los Angeles this evening?”

GR exclaimed, "Toto, I've decided to remain in Las Vegas!"

TW: “Perhaps it's necessary for me to remain in Vegas as well.”

However, Russell confessed that he required guidance on where to go for the celebration, stating, "I don't party frequently and I'm unsure of the right places, but I do plan on going out somewhere!"

Lewis frequently travels to various global locations to cover Grands Prix for Crash.net. By being on-site, he provides detailed accounts of the events and highlights the key figures involved in the sport.

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Max Verstappen discusses maintaining his concentration during races despite the chaotic political issues at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen, who has recently secured his fourth F1 world championship title, stated that he maintained his concentration on racing despite the chaotic political issues affecting his Red Bull team.

The 27-year-old secured a fifth-place result at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was sufficient for him to hold onto his championship title and clinch the 2024 world championship with two races left in the season.

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Verstappen kicked off the season with impressive performance, but his Red Bull team became embroiled in controversy following accusations of sexual harassment against team principal Christian Horner by a female staff member.

The dispute involving Horner sparked political disagreements that included Verstappen's father, Jos, as well as Red Bull's motorsport advisor and trusted ally of Verstappen, Helmut Marko. This situation raised questions about the future of the Dutch driver.

Despite the distractions away from the circuit, Verstappen remained unfazed. Even though Red Bull experienced a decline in their performance, he maintained his composure and successfully secured his place as the sixth driver in Formula 1 history to achieve at least four world championships.

"The start was somewhat chaotic, but I tend to remain pretty composed in such scenarios," Verstappen commented following the race.

"It's quite challenging to unsettle me with anything. My attention is entirely on the racing aspect. Once I'm behind the wheel, everything else fades away, whether it's good or bad."

"My main priority is the task at hand, which is to perform well and push the car to its maximum speed."

Horner described Verstappen's most recent title as his "most impressive and challenging" championship victory.

When questioned about whether he shares Horner's perspective, Verstappen responded, "I believe I do as well."

"Last year, our car was incredibly strong, but there was a sense that our achievements as a team, especially winning 10 consecutive races, weren't fully recognized. Although our car had a clear advantage, I don't believe it was as unbeatable as many perceived."

"2023 stands out as my most successful season. I'll always reflect on it fondly because, even when our setup wasn't ideal, we managed to secure victories. Our car consistently performed well during races, allowing us to win."

"I'm extremely proud of this season because, for about 70% of it, we didn't have the quickest car. Despite that, we managed to increase our lead, which is an achievement I'm very proud of."

Lewis frequently travels to international Grands Prix for Crash.net. He often covers the events on-site, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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F1 Las Vegas GP Driver Evaluations: George Russell Demonstrates Leadership Potential for Mercedes

Who stood out as the top performer at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

George Russell – 10

In Las Vegas, Russell showcased exceptional skill to secure his second win of the season. Leading the race from the start, he proved to be a rightful victor.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5

Hamilton faced ongoing difficulties during the qualifying session in Las Vegas, making errors on both of his attempts in Q3. Despite this, he appeared to be the fastest racer during the actual race, managing to climb back up to secure a second-place finish. In the last 12 laps, he was in pursuit of Russell. However, Russell mentioned that he was maintaining control from the lead position.

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Carlos Sainz – 8

Sainz delivered a commendable performance throughout the weekend. He showcased exceptional skill during the qualifying rounds. Although he initially dropped a position to Leclerc at the start of the race, he managed to regain his spot as both Ferrari drivers faced challenges with their medium compound tires. Despite a rough stretch on the hard tires, Sainz ultimately made a comeback to secure a spot on the podium.

Charles Leclerc – 7.5

In the qualifying rounds, Leclerc was outperformed by Sainz, and he also crossed the finish line behind his teammate in the race. Was his pace genuinely less than Sainz's? It's unlikely. However, the situation and his role in supporting the team's strategy didn't work in his favor.

Max Verstappen – 9

Verstappen remains adept at maximizing the potential of the RB20. He maintained a solid second place during the middle segment of the race before falling behind the two Ferraris.

Lando Norris – 8

McLaren faced challenges throughout the weekend, limiting Norris to a sixth-place finish in the race.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri lagged significantly behind Norris in terms of speed. Additionally, he received a penalty for starting before the lights went out.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8

Hulkenberg impressed once again with a strong performance in the midfield, earning Haas four additional points in the constructors’ championship, which allowed them to surpass Alpine.

Yuki Tsunoda – 8

Similar to Hulkenberg, Tsunoda delivered a strong performance in the midfield battle, earning a few points as a result of his efforts.

Sergio Perez – 5.5

Perez faced yet another disappointing weekend, being eliminated in the first qualifying session. Despite the setback, he managed to drive commendably and secured a 10th place finish.

Fernando Alonso – 7.5

Aston Martin ranked as the slowest team in qualifying, trailing even Sauber. Despite this, Alonso's use of a bold two-stop strategy enabled him to end the race just shy of earning points, a commendable effort.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Following a series of notable performances, Magnussen emerged as the second-strongest Haas driver during the Las Vegas event. Unfortunately, a single-stop strategy was not enough to secure him any points.

Zhou Guanyu – 7.5

Zhou had his best performance of the season over the weekend. He advanced to the second qualifying session and earned a respectable 13th starting position. He was in contention for scoring points until he lost ground on the hard compound tires.

Franco Colapinto – 6.5

Colapinto managed to qualify ahead of his teammate Albon, but unfortunately, he was involved in a significant crash during the second qualifying session. Despite starting the race from the pit lane, he delivered a steady performance and crossed the finish line in 14th

Lance Stroll – 6

Stroll had a low-profile weekend, largely due to a mechanical problem in the third practice session that limited him to a single attempt in the first qualifying round. Additionally, a radio malfunction negatively impacted his performance during the race.

Liam Lawson – 5.5

Lawson had a challenging weekend, trailing behind Tsunoda in terms of speed and never really appearing to be in the running for a top 10 finish.

Esteban Ocon – 6

Ocon couldn't replicate Gasly's impressive performance during the qualifying session. His opportunity to earn points was thwarted due to an unusual event in the pit lane. As Ocon entered the pits, he ended up having to continue driving because his team wasn't prepared.

Valtteri Bottas – 5.5

It was a challenging weekend for Bottas, as he was slower than Zhou, a situation that hasn't occurred often this year.

Alex Albon – 6.5

Albon was eliminated in the first qualifying session due to track limits, and a problem with his power unit led to his early exit from the race.

Pierre Gasly – 8.5

Gasly showcased an impressive performance during qualifying, securing third place on the starting grid for his Alpine car. Unfortunately, his race was cut short when his engine failed, forcing him to retire early.

Connor, who closely follows F1's disputes and narratives, is the core of our impartial journalism.

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F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Driver Evaluations: George Russell Demonstrates Leadership Potential for Mercedes

Who excelled the most at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

George Russell – 10

Russell showcased exceptional skill in Las Vegas, securing his second win of the season. Leading the race from the pole position, he proved to be a worthy champion.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5

Hamilton faced challenges during qualifying in Las Vegas, making errors on both of his Q3 laps. However, during the race, he appeared to be the fastest on the track, managing to climb back up to finish in second place, closing the gap on Russell in the last 12 laps. Despite this, Russell mentioned that he was controlling the race from the lead position.

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Carlos Sainz – 8

Sainz delivered a strong performance throughout the weekend. He excelled during the qualifying session, and although he initially lost a position to Leclerc in the first lap, he managed to regain his spot as both Ferrari drivers faced challenges with their medium tires. Despite a somewhat messy stint on the hard tires, Sainz successfully bounced back to secure a podium finish.

Charles Leclerc – 7.5

Leclerc qualified just behind Sainz and ended the race trailing him as well. Was he actually slower than Sainz? Likely not. However, situational factors and team strategies did not play in his favor.

Max Verstappen – 9

Verstappen consistently extracts peak performance from the RB20. He maintained a solid second place during the race's middle segment but eventually fell behind both Ferraris.

Lando Norris – 8

It was a challenging weekend for McLaren, limiting Norris to a sixth-place finish in the race.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri lagged behind Norris considerably once more. Additionally, he received a penalty due to a false start.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8

Hulkenberg put on an impressive performance in the midfield, securing four additional points for Haas in the constructors’ championship, which allowed them to surpass Alpine.

Yuki Tsunoda – 8

Similar to Hulkenberg, Tsunoda stood out in the battle among the midfield racers, earning a few points for his performance.

Sergio Perez – Rating: 5.5

Perez experienced yet another disappointing weekend, as he failed to progress past Q1. Despite this setback, he managed to perform adequately during the race, ultimately securing a 10th place finish.

Fernando Alonso – 7.5

In the qualifying session, Aston Martin ranked as the 10th-best team, even trailing Sauber. Despite this, Alonso managed to finish just shy of the points, thanks to a bold two-stop strategy, which is commendable.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Following a series of strong performances, Magnussen was evidently the lesser of the two Haas drivers in Las Vegas. A single pit stop strategy was not enough to get him into a points-scoring position.

Zhou Guanyu – 7.5

Zhou had his best weekend of the season. He advanced to Q2 and achieved a respectable 13th place starting position. He was competing for points but fell behind after switching to hard tires.

Franco Colapinto – 6.5

Colapinto managed to outperform his teammate Albon in the qualifying rounds but unfortunately had a significant crash in Q2. Despite this setback, he put in a strong performance starting from the pit lane and ultimately secured the 14th position in the race.

Lance Stroll had a weekend to forget, rating a 6. His qualifying session was compromised due to a mechanical problem that emerged during the third practice session, leaving him with only a single attempt in the first qualifying round. Additionally, a radio malfunction further affected his performance on race day.

Liam Lawson received a score of 5.5. It proved to be a challenging weekend for him, as he lagged behind Tsunoda in terms of speed and didn't seem to be in the running for a top 10 position.

Esteban Ocon – 6

Ocon couldn't replicate Gasly's impressive qualifying performance, and his opportunity to score points was dashed due to an unusual event in the pit lane. When Ocon entered the pits, he had to continue driving without stopping because his team wasn't prepared for him.

Valtteri Bottas – 5.5

Bottas experienced a disappointing weekend, as he was slower than Zhou, which is an unusual occurrence for this year.

Alex Albon received a rating of 6.5. He was eliminated in the first qualifying round due to track limit violations, and a power unit problem later caused him to retire from the race prematurely.

Pierre Gasly – 8.5

Gasly delivered an outstanding performance during qualifying, securing the third spot on the starting grid for his Alpine. Unfortunately, his race was cut short when his engine failed, forcing him to retire early.

Connor, known for his keen insight into Formula 1's disputes and narratives, is central to our impartial journalism.

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Ferrari's team principal delivers a straightforward assessment as Charles Leclerc expresses frustration, claiming that "being nice has backfired on me." Fred Vasseur shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Las Vegas.

Ferrari's team leader assures that the frustration of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Las Vegas will not escalate into an issue.

Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration over the team radio, stating that "being nice has backfired on me," after he ended up in fourth place at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, just behind his teammate Carlos Sainz, who secured third.

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Discussions were held about pit stop tactics and team directives, and Leclerc suggested there were additional commands that were ignored.

Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, expressed to Motorsport that he has no concerns whatsoever.

"The situation repeats itself where they either choose to comment or decide to stay silent."

"They're making remarks during the [slow-down] lap without having all the details. We'll talk it over, and it won't be a problem."

"It's crucial to steer clear of conflicts. However, at this point, I believe we should focus on managing the situation from the beginning, as Carlos was already managing by the third or fourth lap of his stints."

"I believe the main point is that the circumstances were quite challenging for everyone involved. However, we plan to talk about it this evening, so it shouldn't be a problem."

During our conversation with Carlos about the pit stop, I pointed out that he was potentially overshadowed by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. While he was eager to come into the pits, we preferred to have him stay on the track.

During our conversation, we faced the added challenge of switching places, which led to some confusion. However, once they were inside the car, they maintained their own perspective on the race.

With two races left in the season, Ferrari holds the second position in the constructors' championship, behind only McLaren.

In the latest races, they have surpassed Red Bull; however, the concerns raised by Leclerc and Sainz indicate that the renowned Italian team still faces some challenges.

Ferrari is on the brink of a significant transformation, with just two races remaining.

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton is set to join forces with Leclerc, marking an intriguing new phase for both the most decorated driver in F1 history and its leading team.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Former F1 driver on the verge of securing a new contract with Mercedes, says Toto Wolff

Toto Wolff has announced that an agreement is nearly finalized.

Mercedes is poised to benefit from the departure of a seasoned Formula 1 driver who has been removed from their racing position.

Valtteri Bottas has lost his spot with Sauber for the upcoming season and currently has no alternatives to continue his racing career.

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There is a possibility of returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver.

Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, told Viaplay in Las Vegas that no agreements have been finalized yet.

"If he were to return and be part of our family again, it would fill us all with happiness."

"You could express that having a pilot like Valtteri return to the Mercedes team is incredibly fortunate. His skill and recent experience with current models make this a significant advantage."

Wolff was questioned regarding the chances of finalizing a deal to have Bottas return.

"It's just a question of when," he confessed.

Valtteri Bottas and his Sauber teammate, Guanyu Zhou, have been unable to earn any points this season due to their challenges with what is considered the weakest car in the Formula 1 lineup.

During the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1, Zhou secured the 13th position, while Bottas finished in 18th place

In 2026, Sauber is set to transform into Audi and, with a focus on the future, plans to introduce a revamped driver lineup for the upcoming season.

Nico Hulkenberg has been recruited from Haas, along with Formula 2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto, who was previously associated with McLaren.

With limited options, Bottas and Zhou find themselves at a dead end. However, Mercedes might provide their ex-driver with an opportunity to maintain a connection with the team.

In a similar move, Mercedes quickly enlisted Mick Schumacher as a backup driver after he was no longer part of an F1 racing team.

In 2025, Bottas is set to rejoin an updated Mercedes team, but this time his previous teammate, Lewis Hamilton, will not be part of the lineup. Instead, Hamilton will make a move to Ferrari, and the Mercedes drivers will consist of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Bottas secured victory in 10 Grand Prix races while driving for Mercedes.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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Lineup for the 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

The commencement details for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

Presented here is the lineup for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1.

Mercedes driver George Russell has secured the pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, while Carlos Sainz from Ferrari will be starting alongside him on the front row.

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Pierre Gasly, driving for Alpine, secured third position with an impressive qualifying performance, placing him in front of Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.

Max Verstappen secured the fifth position in terms of speed, but importantly, he will begin the race ahead of Lando Norris, his competitor for the F1 championship, as he aims to secure his fourth world title in a row.

Yuki Tsunoda secured the seventh position for Red Bull, placing ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri. Following them was Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, while Lewis Hamilton managed to qualify in 10th place after an unsettled series of laps during Q3.

Valtteri Bottas from Sauber is set to begin the race in the 20th and final position due to receiving a five-place grid penalty for an engine change.

I'm

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Toto Wolff candidly discusses how Mercedes' struggles are affecting Lewis Hamilton's legacy, while asserting that it's "not all a failure."

Toto Wolff asserts that the last three lackluster seasons Lewis Hamilton has experienced with Mercedes won't diminish the achievements he has accomplished in the past.

Hamilton has secured six out of his seven F1 drivers' titles during a legendary period with Mercedes, which is set to come to an end after this season.

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In 2025, Hamilton aims to rejuvenate his aspirations for an F1 championship by joining Ferrari.

However, Mercedes chief Wolff refuted claims that the team's three years of substandard performance might "diminish" the legacy of their iconic driver during his tenure with the team.

"It's the toughest motorsport on the planet, and we were fortunate and grateful to have secured eight World Championship titles in a row," he stated.

"No other sport had seen such an achievement before. Additionally, Lewis claimed seven drivers' titles."

"You can't assume that just because of this, you'll win all the time or compete for every championship. That's not how it works."

"The regulations were altered on two occasions, yet we sustained our performance level and secured championships."

"We've been taken by surprise by the new 2022 regulations. Up to now, we haven't managed to consistently deliver a car that offers reliable performance for the drivers. It's been challenging to create a vehicle with sufficient downforce that doesn't experience bouncing or hopping. Additionally, we need a setup where the ride quality is satisfactory and the tire wear is controllable, avoiding extremes of being too cold or too hot."

"That's just the nature of sports. It's quite simple."

When questioned about whether he considered his season unsuccessful, a basketball player responded by pointing out that Michael Jordan participated in 12 NBA seasons, winning championships in only six of them. He implied that by that logic, should the remaining six seasons be deemed failures?

"We have been competing in this championship for 12 years, and we have secured victories in eight of them. Does that mean the remaining years were unsuccessful?"

"Two years ago, we came in third place, then improved to second place last year, despite not winning any races. This year, we not only achieved victories but actually won three races."

"Therefore, it can't be considered a complete failure. It was actually a successful period for both Mercedes and Lewis."

"We aim to improve continuously, putting in effort each day and throughout every weekend. This commitment extends to the upcoming season and the major event in 2026."

"Good luck to Lewis – but let's hope the car isn't too quick."

Hamilton made a comeback this year, claiming his first win since 2021 at the F1 British Grand Prix.

Since the 2021 Abu Dhabi event, Red Bull has dominated, while Mercedes has fallen behind both McLaren and Ferrari this season.

Hamilton has just three more races left with Mercedes before he switches to the red team.

Wolff stated that there haven't been any heartfelt farewells yet, explaining, "We're still in the middle of the season, so the weekends are continuing as they always have."

"Meetings focused on long-term development aren't held very often, and we haven't had any in recent months. This is quite typical."

Currently, there isn't a strong emotional response to the fact that this is concluding. However, as we approach Abu Dhabi and the final sessions and race, it will likely be significant, given the remarkable partnership we've shared for so many years.

"However, Lewis isn't going anywhere; he'll be racing on the grid next year with a Ferrari."

We aren't losing the individual; we're merely losing the one who drives.

"We are stepping into a new era. Our drivers, aged 18 and 27, will lead the way, and this prospect is incredibly thrilling."

"On a personal note, we hope for all the best and happiness for Lewis. And perhaps a car that isn't quite as speedy."

"However, it was a choice he made, and we are fine with it."

Mercedes plans to team up George Russell with newcomer Kimi Antonelli for the next racing season.

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist with Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Why Ferrari Chose Not to Inquire About Lewis Hamilton's Early Start with the Team

Fred Vasseur clarifies the reasons behind Ferrari's decision not to approach Mercedes regarding the possibility of Lewis Hamilton joining the team ahead of schedule.

Fred Vasseur mentioned that Ferrari chose not to inquire with Mercedes about the possibility of Lewis Hamilton participating in an early Formula 1 test for their team, as a sign of "respect" for his existing contract.

Hamilton, who has claimed the world championship title seven times, is set to make a sensational move to Ferrari next season. This change comes after a remarkable 12-year career with Mercedes, during which he decided to trigger an exit clause in his contract.

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However, the possibility of Hamilton debuting with Ferrari during the post-season test after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been dismissed because the 39-year-old British driver is obligated to fulfill his engagements with Mercedes.

Hamilton is expected to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car for the first time at the Fiorano circuit, which is the team's exclusive testing location, in early 2025.

Vasseur stated that Ferrari did not ask Mercedes for permission for Hamilton to participate in the Abu Dhabi test.

"No, there's a contract in place, so I haven't even approached Toto to take any action," Vasseur clarified.

"There is an agreement in place that must be honored. Just because we are accommodating Carlos doesn't mean that everyone else is obligated to follow suit."

Wolff mentioned that Mercedes has organized "farewell" arrangements for Hamilton, which stopped him from making such an appearance.

Wolff stated that Fred never made an inquiry. He noted that the situation might vary if the destination were Williams, but emphasized that they have binding contracts with their sponsors.

"We're organizing a goodbye event for Lewis with numerous activities lined up. When I briefly discussed it with him, he remarked, 'I suppose that won't be possible.'"

"I mentioned that I didn't believe it would succeed, and that was essentially the entire situation. Therefore, I doubt Fred feels very upset about it."

Vasseur mentioned that he didn't wish to prevent Carlos Sainz, who is leaving the team, from starting early with Williams as a gesture of appreciation for Sainz's "highly professional demeanor" throughout his last year at Ferrari.

Vasseur expressed his gratitude toward Carlos for their partnership and emphasized that he has no intention of hindering him.

He performed exceptionally well with our team this season, demonstrating a high level of professionalism. It would have been easy to lose motivation or not maintain such a professional approach, but he didn't.

"In my opinion, the most fitting way to express gratitude to Carlos was by offering him the chance to participate in the test with Williams."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on-site, providing firsthand accounts and sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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