Max Verstappen Wins Historic 1100th F1 Race in Las Vegas, Leclerc Second

On a glittering November night along the Las Vegas Strip, Max Verstappen sealed his dominance in Formula One by winning the 2023 Heineken Las Vegas Grand PrixLas Vegas Street Circuit — the 1100th race in Formula One history. Driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, Verstappen completed 50 laps in 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 8.289 seconds, crossing the line with a 2.070-second lead over Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari. The win wasn’t just another trophy — it was his 18th of the season, his 69th career victory, and the first-ever F1 race win in Las Vegas.

A Night to Remember on the Strip

The Las Vegas Street Circuit delivered on its promise of spectacle. A 6.116-kilometer, 17-turn temporary track wound past the Bellagio fountains, Caesars Palace, and the neon glow of the Strip. Under the stars, with tens of thousands of fans lining the barriers, the race unfolded like a Hollywood thriller. Verstappen, starting from pole, didn’t wait to make his move. On the opening lap, he surged past Leclerc — who’d started second — through Turn 1, triggering a 5-second post-race penalty for contact. The FIA confirmed the move was within racing limits, but the drama was immediate. "It was a clean overtake," said Verstappen after the race. "You don’t win championships by playing it safe." The race saw a Safety Car period after a dramatic collision between George Russell and Lewis Hamilton — a moment that sent debris flying and momentarily stalled the front-runners. But Verstappen, who switched from Medium to Hard tires on Lap 25, used the restart to stretch his lead. "He was untouchable," said Sky Sport Italia’s race analyst. "Once he got clear air, it was over."

Ferrari’s Quiet Triumph

While Verstappen celebrated his record-breaking season, Scuderia Ferrari quietly secured a crucial momentum shift in the Constructors’ Championship. Leclerc’s second-place finish, coupled with Carlos Sainz’s sixth-place result, pulled Ferrari 17 points ahead of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. That gap could prove decisive heading into Abu Dhabi. "We’re not chasing Max anymore," said Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. "We’re chasing second. And that’s still worth everything." Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, held off a charging Lando Norris to finish third. But Norris’s race ended in heartbreak. On Lap 47, with fuel-saving mode activated, he lost control exiting Turn 14 and slammed into the wall. "I felt the car go light," Norris said post-race. "I didn’t think it was over — until I saw the sparks." He was hospitalized for precautionary checks but was cleared of serious injury.

History in the Making

This wasn’t just another race. It was the 1100th Grand Prix since the inaugural 1950 British Grand Prix. Only 11 drivers in history have won more than 50 races. Verstappen, at 26, now joins Sebastian Vettel as the only drivers with 53 career wins. His 18 victories in 2023 shattered the previous single-season record of 13, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2020. "He’s rewriting the rulebook," said former F1 champion and commentator Martin Brundle. "It’s not just speed — it’s consistency, mental toughness, and flawless execution." Oracle Red Bull Racing also hit a milestone: their 128th team victory, solidifying their status as the most dominant F1 team of the 2020s. The team’s pit crew, averaging 1.8-second stops, became the subject of post-race documentaries already in production.

What’s Next? The Final Act in Abu Dhabi

With Verstappen’s World Drivers’ Championship already secured, all eyes turned to the battle for second — and the Constructors’ title. The season finale, the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand PrixYas Marina Circuit, would decide whether Mercedes could claw back from Ferrari’s surge. Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished eighth in Las Vegas, keeping him in contention for third in the drivers’ standings — a remarkable achievement for a rookie.

Behind the Scenes: The Las Vegas Experiment

The city’s first F1 race was a logistical marvel. Over 1,200 workers spent 14 weeks constructing the circuit, relocating street lamps, installing 18,000 tons of concrete barriers, and rerouting traffic. The race started at 9 p.m. local time to maximize U.S. TV ratings — and it worked. ESPN reported 5.2 million viewers in the U.S. alone, making it the most-watched F1 race in American history. "Las Vegas didn’t just host a race," said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. "It hosted a global moment." Pirelli’s tire strategy also came under scrutiny. With Verstappen using just two pit stops — one fewer than most — and Leclerc managing with one, the Hard compound proved more durable than expected. "We didn’t anticipate how much grip would hold up," said Pirelli’s motorsport director. "The track rubbered in faster than any street circuit we’ve seen."

Who’s Next? The Legacy Begins

Verstappen’s win in Las Vegas wasn’t just about numbers — it was about legacy. He’s now tied with Vettel for second on the all-time wins list, behind only Michael Schumacher’s 91. But at this pace, Schumacher’s record is no longer a distant dream. The question isn’t whether he’ll break it — it’s when.