F1 hits jackpots, manhole hits Sainz - 2023 Las Vegas GP Review

What a race, just what a race! The inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was Formula 1 hitting a jackpot, at least on-track. Just the way a manhole hit Carlos Sainz on-track on Thursday.

If the racing is good, do we forget the teething issues that Formula 1 faced in Las Vegas? Well, at least, in the first half of this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we've chosen to do so.

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When last did we see the top-3 battle for the lead of the race in the way Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez do so in Las Vegas? Could Charles Leclerc have won the race if not for the second Safety Car? Why could Sergio Perez not keep the lead of the race ahead of Leclerc? How is it that Ferrari suddenly had better tyre wear than all their rivals, Red Bull Racing included? Why did Ferrari choose to not pit Leclerc under the second SC, just as Red Bull Racing did?

Was Max Verstappen justified in taking pot shots at the Las Vegas Grand Prix overall? And of course, his shots at everyone who came in his firing range of opinions about everything Formula 1? How did Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon recover from a Q1 elimination to a top-5 finish? Also, is the five-second time penalty justified or should the FIA necessitate a swap on-track?

Just how was the racing so good? How did McLaren mess up the weekend? How was Red Bull Racing unbeatable despite being only-second quickest in both, the slow speed and straightline?

And finally, the key insight as to why Red Bull Racing and several other finishers in the top-10 chose fresh rubber for the Safety Car restarts.

Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah bring to you our 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix review episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast.

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 62)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

**Race Highlights and Controversies:**

* Despite the initial hype, the Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered an entertaining race, showcasing intense battles for the lead among Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez.
* Carlos Sainz Jr. faced a grid penalty due to a manhole cover incident during practice, potentially costing him a chance at victory.
* The race featured two safety car periods, with the second one playing a crucial role in determining the outcome.
* Ferrari's tire degradation was surprisingly better than Red Bull's, allowing Leclerc to challenge Verstappen for the lead.
* Verstappen's five-second penalty for a collision with Leclerc raised questions about its fairness, as it arguably benefited him by keeping him ahead and providing him with clean air.
* Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon made impressive recoveries from qualifying setbacks to finish in the top five.
* The race highlighted the importance of fresh tires during safety car restarts, as demonstrated by Red Bull's strategic decision.

**Key Insights and Observations:**

* The low-grip and low-downforce nature of the Las Vegas circuit provided an exciting challenge for drivers, requiring constant car control and steering adjustments.
* Pirelli's hard tires performed exceptionally well, enabling aggressive racing and reducing the need for mandated stint lengths.
* Ferrari's improved tire degradation compared to Red Bull was a significant factor in Leclerc's ability to challenge Verstappen.
* The second safety car period significantly impacted the race strategy, with Leclerc losing out due to his decision to stay out on old tires while Red Bull pitted for fresh ones.
* The race demonstrated the importance of track position and clean air, as Verstappen's advantage in these areas proved crucial in securing the victory. **2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix Review**

* The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a thrilling race, despite some teething issues.

* Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez battled for the lead throughout the race.

* Leclerc could have won if not for the second Safety Car.

* Perez was unable to keep the lead due to Leclerc's superior tire wear.

* Ferrari opted not to pit Leclerc under the second Safety Car, unlike Red Bull Racing.

* Verstappen criticized the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Formula One in general.

* Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll recovered from Q1 elimination to finish in the top five.

* The five-second time penalty for contact between Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri was justified.

* The racing was exciting, despite McLaren's poor weekend.

* McLaren's struggles highlighted the challenges of qualifying in Las Vegas.

* Lewis Hamilton had a chaotic race but still finished P7, ahead of George Russell.

* The Las Vegas Grand Prix had several off-track issues, including lawsuits and an oil spill.

* The new podium ceremony, which included a drive through the Bellagio fountains, was met with mixed reactions.

* The Drivers' Championship is decided, but the battle for P4 remains open.

* Jacques Villeneuve got married in the paddock chapel.

* Formula One's focus on profit and casual fans is understandable, but it may alienate hardcore fans.

* Toto Wolff's comments about European viewership of practice sessions sparked a debate.

* Ferrari may take legal action against the Las Vegas organizers for the manhole cover incident.

* The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a success overall, despite the challenges.