An ecstatic George Russell claimed a spectacular victory at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday night, celebrating his triumph with an exuberant shout over the radio: “Vegas!” The young Mercedes driver was ready to party in America’s entertainment capital, declaring he would skip his flight back to the UK.
“I’m definitely not getting on that flight,” Russell said during the post-race podium interview with actor Terry Crews, as the iconic Bellagio fountains danced in the background. “I’m going to enjoy this evening.”
A Night of Redemption for Mercedes
Russell’s win was a moment of glory not just for himself but also for his team, as teammate Lewis Hamilton finished second to give Mercedes a coveted 1-2 finish. Amid a challenging season marked by internal transitions—Hamilton is set to join Ferrari next year—and a missed shot at the constructors’ championship, the night offered a much-needed highlight.
Adding to the drama was Max Verstappen, who finished fifth to clinch his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship, quietly sharing the spotlight with Mercedes’ celebratory evening.
The 1-2 finish was Mercedes’ first since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Russell and Hamilton achieved the same order of victory.
Toto Wolff’s Optimism for Qatar
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed optimism about carrying this momentum into next weekend’s race in Qatar, citing similar weather and track conditions. However, he tempered expectations for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
For now, Wolff was content to savor the night’s achievements. “It’s good to come back with a 1-2, and I’m happy with the way we got there because we dominated the race,” Wolff said. “There are laps when we were two seconds faster, and it feels good.”
Unlike Russell, Wolff stuck to his travel plans, heading back to Los Angeles on Sunday to be with his family.
Russell’s Stellar Drive
Russell, who also won in Austria this season, showcased his skill by securing pole position in Las Vegas. While he admitted that starting first hasn’t always been advantageous for him, this time was different.
“I think we won the race from step one,” Russell said. “It was exceptional, and I knew from there on in the only way we were going to lose the victory was if I damaged the tires. So it was just a case of managing my pace and bringing it home.”
Russell’s Las Vegas victory marks his third official career win. His July victory in Belgium was annulled due to a post-race inspection that disqualified his car for failing the minimum-weight limit, with the win instead going to Hamilton.
Hamilton’s Resilience
Despite starting 10th on the grid after a disappointing final qualifying session, Hamilton fought his way through the field with remarkable determination. The seven-time world champion, who holds an F1 record with 105 victories, delivered an impressive performance that showcased his enduring talent.
“I guess it would’ve been a breeze today with a better starting position, but it’s OK,” Hamilton said. “I had fun coming back from 10th. The team did a fantastic job. We don’t know why we are so quick this weekend.”
In the post-race press conference, Hamilton praised his teammate, deflecting any disappointment. “George did a great job,” Hamilton said. “He did everything you’re supposed to do. I’m happy for him and grateful I could get back up there and support the team like I want to.”
Looking Ahead
As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari next season, the team faces a transitional period. For now, however, the Las Vegas Grand Prix serves as a reminder of Mercedes’ potential and the bright future ahead for Russell, who demonstrated why he is a rising star in Formula 1.
The celebration belonged to Mercedes, and especially to George Russell, who not only claimed victory but also solidified his place as a formidable competitor in the sport.
