By Razeen Gutta
Max Verstappen extended his winning streak in a dramatic Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday, beating Lando Norris and reigniting his Formula One title chase.
One year after clinching his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship on the very same track, the Red Bull driver seized the lead after a first-lap scuffle with pole-sitter Norris — holding off a late charge as McLaren’s hopes unravelled.
Post-race, the FIA disqualified Norris and Oscar Piastri for undersized rear skids.
Verstappen (366 points) now trails Norris by just 24 points with two races left: Qatar and Mexico, where 58 points are up for grabs.
George Russell inherited third and Kimi Antonelli fourth (post-penalty).
“A step forward,” Verstappen said post-match, focusing on 2026 momentum rather than the title.
“From the middle of 2024 to the middle of 2025, we were more probably off the podium more than on,” he told reporters before the post-race disqualification of Norris and Piastri.
“Now, at least we are always fighting for second or third place. For us, I think that’s a very good step forward. That should have been the case from the start, but unfortunately we didn’t get it right in the beginning.”
The win marks his fourth in seven Grands Prix, and his eighth consecutive podium.
Pictured above: Max Verstappen
Source: @maxverstappen1
