The Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 delivered an electrifying spectacle under the city lights, combining high stakes, daring strategies, and dramatic twists. Max Verstappen once again demonstrated his dominance with a clinical performance on the challenging street circuit, while McLaren faced a costly setback due to a risky technical call. Here’s a breakdown of the key winners and losers from a race that could redefine the Formula 1 championship battle.
Winner: Max Verstappen – Masterclass in the Desert
Led by Max Verstappen’s relentless skill and composure, the Dutch driver secured a crucial victory, cementing his status as the man to beat in the 2025 season. From the start, Verstappen got the upper hand against key competitor Lando Norris, quickly establishing control and responding effortlessly to any threats. Despite the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Verstappen stayed ice-cool and focused on his race strategy, showcasing why he remains a formidable force in Formula 1.
Earlier in the weekend, Verstappen gained an unexpected advantage when McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced disqualification for excessive plank wear on their cars—a technical infraction that shook up the standings. Verstappen’s win narrows the championship gap, putting him level on points with Piastri and intensifying the race as the season heads into its final stages.
BREAKING
An absolute bombshell that could rock the F1 title race >> https://t.co/lTtEokCtWC#F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/SmDsyIgG1p— Fox Motorsport (@Fox_Motorsport) November 23, 2025
Loser: McLaren – Technical Gamble Backfires
McLaren’s ambitious ride-height strategy backfired spectacularly, leading to a double disqualification for Norris and Piastri and a dramatic shift in the championship fight. The penalty erased what could have been a decisive weekend for Norris, who was poised to strengthen his title chances in what many expected would be an easier race. Instead, McLaren’s error handed Verstappen a powerful lifeline.
The team cited challenging track conditions and unusual surface bumps that may have contributed to the plank wear issue, but the rule is unequivocal: compliance is mandatory. This costly misstep leaves McLaren scrambling to regain momentum and reassert themselves in the title race.
Winner: Carlos Sainz – Consistent Points for Ferrari
Amid the chaos, Carlos Sainz delivered a solid performance for Ferrari, qualifying third and finishing in the points thanks partly to McLaren’s penalties. Sainz’s steadiness throughout the race contributed valuable points to the Ferrari campaign, bringing the team closer to securing their best Constructors’ Championship finish since 2017.
While Sainz couldn’t keep faster cars behind on track, his ability to capitalize on others’ misfortunes showcased his value as a dependable driver in a season full of unpredictability.
Loser: Lewis Hamilton – Struggling Through the Season
Lewis Hamilton experienced another tough outing in Las Vegas, continuing his challenging 2025 campaign. Despite a valiant recovery from 19th on the grid to a 10th-place finish, Hamilton described his race as a “nightmare” and struggled to find positives in his performance.
His subdued post-race comments and uncertain future have sparked speculation about his career path moving forward. Nonetheless, Hamilton committed to racing through the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, hoping for a fresh start in a new era of Formula 1 cars.
Winner: Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Rising Star Impresses
At only 19 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli once again proved his potential with a strong showing. Starting 17th on the grid, the young talent executed a patient and strategic race, maintaining tire performance on a single set of hard compounds throughout. Antonelli’s impressive pace and maturity have helped him shed earlier rookie-season challenges and establish himself as a driver to watch in the coming years.
Loser: Gabriel Bortoleto – Rookie Misstep Costs
Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto endured a tough race, punctuated by a braking error on the opening lap that tragically took Lance Stroll out of the race. It was a harsh lesson on a low-grip street track—one of several rookie mistakes in recent rounds. While setbacks are part of growing pains, Bortoleto’s weekend emphasized the value of experience, as he and his rookie peers continue to learn the exacting demands of Formula 1.
This thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix not only reshaped the championship picture but also highlighted the emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 Formula 1 season.