Overview
- Lando Norris holds a 49-point lead over Max Verstappen and could clinch if he leaves Las Vegas 58 points clear, with McLaren also leading the constructors’ standings.
- Team principal Andrea Stella says changes to tyre management, aerodynamic efficiency and setup aim to resolve last year’s issues that left both McLarens more than 40 seconds behind the winner.
- Forecast low temperatures and the circuit’s slow-speed profile keep Norris cautious after calling Las Vegas McLaren’s worst race of 2024 and highlighting expected strength from Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.
- Stella characterizes the current grid as exceptionally strong, estimating seven or eight drivers are performing at a championship-winning level.
- Off-track developments continue: media report Red Bull is assessing promotions for Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad with Alex Dunne eyed for 2027, none confirmed, as Fernando Alonso questions whether 2026 rules will truly increase overtaking and Ferrari shifts focus to 2026.