Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing victory by almost 20 seconds over championship leader Lando Norris.
The four-time world champion capitalised on an opening-lap error from the McLaren driver to claim his eighth consecutive podium finish.
The Dutchman's triumph marks his second win in four races and his second victory on the Las Vegas street circuit in three years.
Despite the defeat, Norris retains his championship advantage with 42 points separating him from Verstappen as the season enters its final two rounds.
Norris began from pole position but compromised his race within the opening corners.
The British driver made an overly aggressive defensive move against Verstappen, cutting across the Red Bull before braking too late into the first corner hairpin.
"I f***** it up," Norris admitted following the race. "I was too punchy, and it cost me."
The mistake allowed Verstappen to seize the lead while George Russell capitalised to move past Norris into second place.
Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing victory by almost 20 seconds
|REUTERS
The championship leader found himself relegated to third position after starting from the front of the grid.
Norris eventually reclaimed second place from Russell on lap 34 along the Las Vegas Boulevard.
The championship standings show Norris maintaining a healthy buffer over his rivals with just two races remaining.
The McLaren driver holds 408 points, placing him 30 points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri on 378 points.
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Verstappen's victory moves him to 366 points
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Verstappen's victory moves him to 366 points, reducing his deficit to 42 points behind Norris.
With 58 points still available across the Qatar Grand Prix, which includes a sprint race worth eight points, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the mathematics favour Norris significantly.
The British driver requires only modest results to secure his maiden championship title, whilst both Piastri and Verstappen need exceptional circumstances to overturn the deficit.
Russell secured the final podium position for Mercedes, completing a solid performance that highlighted his consistent form this season.
The four-time world champion claimed his eighth consecutive podium finish
|REUTERS
Piastri crossed the line in fourth place after Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received a five-second penalty for a false start, dropping the Italian to fifth.
"Great execution," Verstappen told his Red Bull team over the radio after taking the chequered flag.
He added: "Very happy, guys, well done."
The Dutch driver later reflected on the season's trajectory: "After Abu Dhabi we will see where we end up. We have had some ups and downs and some beautiful moments, which is good for the years ahead."
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