Overview
- Lando Norris arrives with a 24‑point cushion over Oscar Piastri, with Max Verstappen 49 points back and effectively needing to win and finish ahead of both McLarens to keep realistic title hopes alive.
- McLaren’s 2024 Vegas struggles included tyre graining and low‑drag aero inefficiency that left the cars sixth and seventh, and Andrea Stella says the team has taken targeted steps to address those weaknesses.
- Norris has warned the Las Vegas layout and cool temperatures will likely hinder the MCL39, stressing expectations of a difficult win fight despite McLaren’s recent form.
- The race moves to a 20:00 local start with forecast temperatures near 12°C, a shift that could alter tyre behaviour and the competitive order at a venue highly sensitive to surface temperatures.
- Mercedes dominated here last year but Toto Wolff cautions against expecting a repeat, while off‑track tension grows with Zak Brown labelling Verstappen a “bruiser” and coverage framing Vegas as a make‑or‑break opportunity for Piastri.