The Las Vegas Grand Prix was another rollercoaster for Charles Leclerc, but amidst the drama and disappointment, the Monegasque showed why he remains one of Formula 1’s brightest talents. While Leclerc finished a frustrating fourth in a race that teased greater possibilities, he remains firmly in the fight for a second-place finish in the drivers’ championship and could yet help Ferrari reclaim first in the constructors’ standings.
A Race of Highs and Lows
Starting fourth, Leclerc launched with characteristic brilliance, climbing to second by the first corner and briefly threatening race leader George Russell. For a moment, the dream of victory felt within reach. However, Ferrari’s Achilles’ heel – tyre degradation – quickly reared its head. Struggling with pace on his first stint, Leclerc slipped back and ultimately lost out to teammate Carlos Sainz, finishing fourth.
The frustration was palpable, particularly with Ferrari’s strategic handling of team orders. Despite assurances over the radio that Sainz wouldn’t overtake him, the Spaniard did just that, prompting Leclerc’s now-famous quip: “Maybe try [telling him] in Spanish.” Post-race, his raw emotions spilled over.
Eyes on the Prize
Yet, even in moments of frustration, Leclerc’s determination remains unshaken. With two races left, he’s just 21 points behind Lando Norris in the fight for second in the drivers’ championship. While overtaking McLaren’s ace won’t be easy, Leclerc has consistently demonstrated his ability to extract maximum performance from his car, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Ferrari, too, is still in the hunt for first in the constructors’ standings. After Las Vegas, they trail McLaren by just 24 points. This fight will go down to the wire, and with the combination of Leclerc’s raw speed and Sainz’s solid form, Ferrari has every chance to prevail.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Frustration
Leclerc’s Las Vegas weekend wasn’t without its bright spots. In qualifying, despite a “nightmare” session that left him fourth on the grid, he showed strong underlying pace. Throughout practice and the race, the Ferrari SF-23 at times was definitely competitive, even against Mercedes and McLaren.
Leclerc acknowledged his struggles to optimize the tires, conceding that teammate Sainz had done a better job. However, he was quick to turn his focus to the future, stating: “I’m not only targeting the podium; it would be nice to have a win. I think the pace is there, and if we do everything perfect, this is achievable.”
Why the Battle Isn’t Over
Leclerc’s fiery competitiveness is the key to his and Ferrari’s chances. His disappointment in Las Vegas wasn’t just about the race itself but about the high stakes in the championship battles. A second-place finish in the drivers’ standings would be a personal triumph in a year where Max Verstappen has been untouchable. Likewise, securing the constructors’ championship would signal progress for Ferrari as they build toward a stronger 2024 campaign.
For Leclerc and Ferrari, the goal is clear: fight to the very last lap. And with the talent and determination on display, don’t count them out just yet.
Bottom Line
Leclerc is still competing to be Vice-Champion in the drivers’ championship, lying 21 points behind Lando Norris ahead of next weeks’ race in Qatar.
And Ferrari are now 24 points behind McLaren in the battle for the constructors’ championship with two races to go.
Max Verstappen Wins His Fourth World Title
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship with fifth place in this Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The race was won by Mercedes’ George Russell, who held off a charge by team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion taking second place from 10th on the grid.
Verstappen’s position behind the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc was more than enough for the Dutchman.
His title rival Lando Norris could manage only sixth for McLaren, his deficit to the Dutchman now 63 points with a maximum of 60 available.
