F1 UPDATE: F1 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied after…

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 set, with penalties factored in, and it has produced some unexpected results. Mercedes’ George Russell will start from pole position after an impressive qualifying performance on the iconic Las Vegas street circuit. Russell posted a stellar lap time of 1:32.312, narrowly edging out Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who will join him on the front row in P2.

Russell’s pole position highlights his continued growth and maturity as a driver. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, did not fare as well despite showing strong pace in the practice sessions, where he topped the timesheets in both FP1 and FP2. However, Hamilton struggled in qualifying and will start from a disappointing P10. The seven-time world champion will face an uphill battle as he looks to work his way through the midfield on race day.

One of the biggest surprises of the weekend came from Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who delivered an outstanding performance to secure P3 on the grid. Gasly’s strong showing placed him ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will line up in P4. The second row will feature a tight battle between Gasly and Leclerc, both of whom will be eager to capitalize on their advantageous starting positions.

On the third row, Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion from Red Bull Racing, managed to secure P5. Despite not showcasing his usual dominant form, Verstappen remains a strong contender. Lining up alongside him is McLaren’s Lando Norris, who qualified in P6. The rivalry between Verstappen and Norris has been a key storyline throughout the season, and their close proximity on the grid promises more exciting duels between the two.

Further down the grid, Sergio Perez’s struggles in 2024 continued as he was eliminated in Q1 for the sixth time this season. The Red Bull driver will start from P16, capping off what has been a disappointing campaign for him. The pressure on Perez to deliver consistent performances in a top-tier car has only increased with each missed opportunity.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured P8, while Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg put in a solid performance to claim P9. Hulkenberg will start alongside Hamilton on the fifth row, making for a competitive midfield pack. Yuki Tsunoda, driving for VCARB, impressed with a P7 finish, placing him in a strong position heading into the race. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, meanwhile, settled for P11, just outside the top 10.

The rest of the grid saw mixed fortunes for various drivers. Haas’ Kevin Magnussen will start from P12, with Kick Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu in P13. Rookie Franco Colapinto, driving for Williams, will begin from P14, while two-time world champion Fernando Alonso had a disappointing qualifying session, leaving him in P17. Alex Albon, who has had a solid season with Williams, also struggled and will start from P18. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Kick Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas will round out the grid in P19 and P20, respectively.

The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix promises plenty of drama, with the unique street circuit and night-race atmosphere adding to the spectacle. Russell’s pole position puts him in a strong position, but with the grid shuffled and key contenders like Verstappen and Norris lurking behind, the race could take many turns. Ferrari’s Sainz and Leclerc will also be eager to challenge for the top step of the podium, while Hamilton and Perez have significant ground to make up. Fans can expect a thrilling battle under the lights in Las Vegas.