Breaking: F1 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied after…read more
F1 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied after…read more
The starting grid for the highly anticipated 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix has been finalized, with penalties applied, and it features some surprising results. Mercedes’ George Russell will lead the pack, securing a stunning pole position after a fiercely competitive qualifying session on the iconic streets of Las Vegas. Russell clocked an impressive lap time of 1:32.312, narrowly beating Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who claimed the second spot on the grid.
Russell’s stellar performance further highlights his growth as a driver, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton faced a less fortunate outcome. Despite showing great form in the early practice sessions—where he topped the charts in both FP1 and FP2—Hamilton struggled in qualifying and will start from a disappointing P10. The seven-time world champion will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him as he battles through the midfield.
Joining Sainz on the front row, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly delivered an exceptional performance to secure P3, emerging as one of the surprises of the weekend. Gasly’s effort placed him ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who starts P4. The second row promises an intense battle between Gasly and Leclerc, both eager to capitalize on their strong starting positions.
The third row features two of the season’s championship contenders, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Verstappen, the reigning champion from Red Bull Racing, managed P5 despite not showcasing his usual dominant pace. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris secured P6, adding another chapter to his rivalry with Verstappen as the pair continue to duel for supremacy this season.
Further down the grid, Sergio Perez’s struggles continued. The Red Bull driver endured his sixth Q1 elimination of the year, a performance that places him in P16. This result highlights a disappointing campaign for Perez, who has faced mounting pressure to deliver consistent results in one of the grid’s top cars.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri lines up in P8, while Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg took P9, rounding out the top 10 alongside Hamilton. The midfield features a mix of strong performances and struggles, with Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) impressing in P7 and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon settling for P11. Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and Kick Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu occupy P12 and P13, respectively, while rookie Franco Colapinto (Williams) starts P14. Notably, Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Alex Albon (Williams) suffered disappointing sessions, starting P17 and P18, respectively. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber) round out the back of the grid in P19 and P20.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to deliver high-octane action, with the unique street circuit and night-race atmosphere adding to the excitement. While Russell’s pole position sets him up as the favorite, the competitive field and mixed-up starting order ensure plenty of drama is in store. Fans will eagerly watch to see if Verstappen and Norris can mount comebacks or if Ferrari’s Sainz and Leclerc can challenge Mercedes’ resurgence.
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