Las Vegas Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied af…read more
The starting grid for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix is set, and it’s full of surprises following qualifying and penalties. George Russell of Mercedes will lead the race from pole position after a sensational lap of 1:32.312. This performance, on the challenging Las Vegas street circuit, narrowly edged out Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who starts second after an equally impressive showing.
Russell’s achievement underscores his growth as a top-tier driver, marking a standout moment in his career. Meanwhile, his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, faced a tougher time. After dominating the first two practice sessions (FP1 and FP2), Hamilton struggled in qualifying and will start from P10. The seven-time world champion will have to dig deep to fight through the competitive midfield pack.
On the second row, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly produced a stellar performance to secure P3, outperforming expectations and delivering one of the weekend’s biggest surprises. Gasly’s effort puts him ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will start P4. The dynamic battle between Gasly and Leclerc on the second row adds intrigue to the race.
The third row brings together two championship contenders: Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris. Verstappen, the reigning champion, qualified P5 but lacked his usual dominance. Norris, who starts P6, will relish the chance to compete directly with Verstappen, as the pair continues their season-long rivalry for supremacy.
Sergio Perez’s struggles persisted, with the Red Bull driver enduring another disappointing session. A sixth Q1 exit this year places him in P16, intensifying questions about his form and future with the team. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri will begin from P8, while Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg secured P9, slotting just ahead of Hamilton.
The midfield saw standout performances and challenges. Yuki Tsunoda of VCARB impressed with P7, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon took P11. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) and Zhou Guanyu (Kick Sauber) qualified P12 and P13, respectively. Williams rookie Franco Colapinto starts P14, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Williams’ Alex Albon struggled, qualifying P17 and P18. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber) complete the grid at P19 and P20.
With the dramatic mix of starting positions, the night-time spectacle on Las Vegas’ iconic streets promises thrilling action. Fans will closely follow if Verstappen and Norris can fight back or if Ferrari’s strong showing will challenge Russell’s pole-to-win aspirations.
