A peculiar legal twist looms over the Las Vegas Grand Prix as two Formula 1 drivers face the unlikely prospect of breaking US law if they reach the podium and partake in customary celebrations. The bustling streets of Nevada will host the high-octane spectacle this weekend, drawing the eyes of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. With the season nearing its climax, Lando Norris leads the Drivers’ Championship, yet both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen remain viable threats to claim top honours.
McLaren’s struggles in Sin City over previous years, compounded by the city’s cooler temperatures, have left the door ajar for rival teams to challenge for victory. Mercedes, historically adept at this circuit, will be looking to capitalise on the situation. Last year, George Russell triumphed over teammate Lewis Hamilton to complete a one-two finish, setting a high benchmark for this year’s competitors. The changing grid sees Hamilton now at Ferrari, replaced by the precocious 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, whose breakthrough podium in Canada has captured attention despite mid-season inconsistencies.
Antonelli’s recent form, highlighted by a second-place finish in Brazil while fending off Verstappen, raises anticipation around whether he might replicate such a performance. The twist, however, lies in the US legal drinking age of 21. Should Antonelli celebrate with the traditional champagne spray, he would technically violate local law, making for an unusual off-track storyline alongside the sporting drama.
Haas’ 20-year-old Ollie Bearman is the only other contender under the US legal age for alcohol, though his chances of a podium finish remain slim. Nonetheless, Bearman has shown promise with strong finishes in Mexico and São Paulo, suggesting he could continue his upward trajectory. Mercedes will be keen to secure maximum points for the Constructors’ Championship, where a few positions’ difference can translate into multi-million-pound prize swings, heightening the stakes for the team.
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix unfolds, the spotlight will not only be on the battle for track supremacy but also on the interplay of youthful exuberance and legal restrictions. Antonelli and Bearman embody a new generation of talent, eager to make their mark amid intense competition, all while navigating the unusual circumstance of potentially breaking a local law in the pursuit of celebration. The spectacle promises high drama, both on and off the circuit.
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