On the eve of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a fresh track and fresh conditions raise a simple question about Max Verstappen: could he be vulnerable in this setup? Fernando Alonso answers candidly, stating plainly that he does not expect Verstappen to falter. The Dutch driver has only three wins missed across twenty races this season, and in the first two rounds he was defeated by a fellow Red Bull in the Middle East and in Baku, leaving talk of Perez in the spotlight as well.
Relating to
- Verstappen unhappy in Las Vegas: You feel like a clown
Carlos Sainz has the distinction of beating Verstappen in another car this year. The Madrid driver achieved the feat in Singapore and believes he can repeat it on the Strip this Saturday: the track seems suited to their strengths, with long straights reminiscent of Monza and tight corners similar to Monza or Singapore. The team may not be instantly fastest in the first two corners, but Sainz predicts that Ferrari could be better overall and create a favorable opportunity.
[World Championship standings
We put in extensive simulator work and we are keen to see how the setup behaves in real conditions. It will be telling to observe how the car handles dust, potholes, and potential slipperiness as the safety car makes its rounds and the track temperature, already cooler than typical race evenings, plays into the grip levels.
Maximum and urban circuits
If Verstappen has endured three setbacks this season, a common thread is clear: all fell on street circuits. Monaco stands out, where he salvaged pole by a razor-thin margin and used that advantage to secure victory, his toughest moment on the circuit to date.
Las Vegas presents a mix of long straights and challenging, slow sectors. The main straight stretches 1.9 kilometers, while the rest of the track demands accuracy in tight corners and rhythm through the midsection. Weather is a major talking point with night-time air temperatures hovering around five degrees Celsius in Nevada, and forecasts leaning toward cooler, drier conditions. Pirelli has prepared a softer selection for this event, but teams will still chase the right balance as grip can be elusive and setup is critical.
Verstappen unhappy in Las Vegas: You feel like a clown
The day is cooler than any Grand Prix in memory, and the strip is a fresh asphalt canvas with temperatures and experiences the teams have yet to dial in. The car setup will be tested in ways not seen this year and Red Bull anticipates a weekend that is unpredictable. The question of how the long straights will influence the overall pace remains under study as engineers analyze tire behavior and mechanical grip through the varied sections of the circuit.
[Season calendar overview]
Alonso’s strong point
Alonso brings a wealth of experience to the challenge of a new track. He is known for adapting quickly to unfamiliar layouts, and there is curiosity about whether that ability will translate into a competitive result in the debut of this venue. The Asturian has tempered expectations, noting that this circuit is unlikely to be among the favored choices for their unit. Still, there is a willingness to push for a strong showing when the weekend unfolds.
He also stresses that a clear, early understanding of grip levels will be crucial. The lower temperatures add a layer of complexity, and the track may prove to be more slippery than usual. For Alonso, the season is about finishing strong, earning as many points as possible, and maintaining momentum heading into the following year. The objective, he says, is to approach 2024 from a position of strength and confidence, even if the odds are not stacked in their favor.