McLaren’s Troubled Las Vegas History Gives Verstappen a Lifeline in the 2025 Title Race
McLaren may currently be the dominant force in the 2025 Formula 1 season, leading the drivers’ championship with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, but their performances at the Las Vegas Grand Prix tell a much different story. Despite their remarkable momentum this year, the Woking-based outfit has consistently failed to shine under the bright neon glare of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
The modern Las Vegas street track only debuted on the F1 calendar in 2023, making the statistical sample small—but surprisingly damning for McLaren. As the championship heads into this weekend’s night race in Nevada, Norris sits atop the standings with a 24-point cushion over his team-mate Piastri and a 49-point advantage over reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Yet it is Verstappen, currently third, who may find unexpected hope from McLaren’s disastrous Vegas track record.
For Verstappen, the situation is straightforward and severe: if he fails to outscore Norris by at least nine points in Saturday’s 50-lap showdown, his pursuit of a fifth world title will be mathematically over. However, past results in Vegas offer a subtle but significant chance that McLaren may stumble again—opening the door for the Dutchman to claw back precious ground.
A Circuit of Misfortune for McLaren
There have been only two races at the Las Vegas Street Circuit since its reintroduction, and both have delivered deeply disappointing outcomes for Norris and Piastri. Neither driver has finished inside the top five at this venue, a statistic that stands in stark contrast to their otherwise stellar form in 2025.
The inaugural 2023 Vegas Grand Prix was especially bleak for Norris. The British driver suffered a violent crash within the opening laps, ending his race prematurely and leaving him without points. The incident nearly collected Piastri as well, but the Australian rookie escaped the chaos and limped home in P10, securing just a single point.
The following year, 2024, saw McLaren enter the Las Vegas weekend as legitimate contenders for the constructors’ crown. Norris was deep in his first championship tussle with Verstappen, and expectations were high. Instead, Vegas became the race that derailed their momentum. Neither driver found comfort on the slippery street surface or in the tricky cold-temperature tire window that has become a hallmark of the event. Norris could do no better than sixth place, with Piastri trailing closely behind in seventh.
Meanwhile, Verstappen thrived. Starting from P5, the Dutchman methodically worked his way through the field to snatch victory and secure his fourth world championship. The race became symbolic of Red Bull’s resilience and McLaren’s vulnerability under specific conditions—particularly those present at Las Vegas.
Norris’ Cautious Outlook for 2025
Coming into this year’s edition of the Grand Prix, Norris has openly admitted he does not feel optimistic. His recent comments in Brazil highlighted his unease, even though he had just won in São Paulo. Reflecting on the upcoming Vegas weekend, Norris said, “We’ve never been good there, so I’m not the most confident about going into that race.” His assessment is not misplaced; McLaren’s past struggles at the venue are undeniable.
For a team fighting for both world titles, the combination of championship pressure and a historically unfriendly circuit poses a real threat. The McLaren package, so effective on high-downforce and medium-speed circuits, has repeatedly struggled to adapt to Vegas’ unique demands: long straights, unpredictable track temperatures, and heavy reliance on tire warm-up—all areas where Red Bull traditionally excels.
A Thin but Real Chance for Verstappen
If the 2023 Las Vegas finishing order were to repeat itself this weekend—Verstappen winning while McLaren falters—Norris would lose 25 points to the Dutchman and Piastri 24. This would reduce the championship gap to just 24 points with two rounds remaining. And critically, the next event features a sprint race, providing additional scoring opportunities.
In other words, all Verstappen needs is one chaotic, McLaren-misfortune-filled weekend in Vegas to keep his title hopes alive. Given the historical evidence, that scenario is far from impossible.
While McLaren remains the team to beat in 2025, their unpleasant history in Las Vegas gives Red Bull’s superstar a narrow but meaningful opening. As tension builds ahead of Saturday’s night race, both fans and teams know one thing: if the Vegas curse strikes McLaren again, the championship fight may be thrown wide open—and Verstappen’s dream of a fifth world title could be dramatically revived.
