Las Vegas Grand Prix Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips: George Russell in pole position

After an epic F1 race in Brazil, the Las Vegas Grand Prix takes centre stage this weekend, with George Russell securing pole position.

Max Verstappen, who starts 5th, has the opportunity to win his fourth world title, while Championship rival Lando Norris is a place behind in 6th.

In this article, I will bring you fully up to date on all the times you need to keep an eye on for the F1 Las Vegas. This includes what time the race starts and which scenarios Verstappen will become world champion.

Las Vegas F1 Key Times

Formula 1 returns to the United States this weekend with one of the most iconic races on the calendar: the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This highly anticipated event promises to be a combination of speed, glamour and neon lights.

With a race schedule that takes full advantage of Las Vegas' exciting night-time atmosphere, it will be an early rise for UK viewers.

Below are the key times - for UK Viewers - for Las Vegas F1:

F1 Las Vegas Qualifying Results

Qualifying for F1 Las Vegas was held on Saturday 23 November at 6am UK time. George Russell starts on pole position after the British Mercedes driver set the fastest time with an impressive lap. He was consistently fast throughout the session, as he was in the third free practice session. Max Verstappen finished fifth after he clocked a time of 1:32.797, four tenths behind Russell. Although he did not finish at the top, the car seems competitive again after earlier problems.

1. George Russell
2. Carlos Sainz
3. Pierre Gasly
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Max Verstappen
6. Lando Norris
7. Yuki Tsunoda
8. Oscar Piastri
9. Nico Hulkenberg
10. Lewis Hamilton

Las Vegas GP Odds

The Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz (5/2) and Charles Leclerc (3/1) feature at the top of the Las Vegas Grand Prix winner odds market. Leclerc already showed his strength at the Las Vegas circuit last year, where he managed to grab pole position during qualifying. In addition, he finished second behind Verstappen during the race. This success was mainly due to Leclerc's high pure speed and aggressive driving.

George Russell, 3/1 and on pole, has surged into the mix following his brilliant showing in qualifying. Max Verstappen is next in the running at 6/1 as he bids to secure the title, followed by Lando Norris at 9/1 and Oscar Piastri an intriguing 25/1 outsider.

Will Max Verstappen become World Champion again this weekend?

Max Verstappen can secure his fourth world title this weekend in Las Vegas. With a comfortable 62-point lead over his nearest rival Lando Norris, Verstappen does not need to put in much effort here.

If his lead remains at least 60 points after the race, he will once again be world champion. Even if neither driver scores any points, that would be enough for Verstappen to cement his dominance in Formula 1.

A ninth-place finish or lower for Norris also automatically makes Verstappen the champion, which only heightens the tension in this unique night race in Las Vegas.

All in all, Verstappen is certainly not a favourite this weekend. But taking points shouldn't be a problem. A realistic scenario in which Max becomes world champion this weekend is a 4th place behind Lando Norris where he picks up one point for the fastest lap.

Should Max not become champion in Las Vegas, he has two more races to do so. First up will be racing in Qatar. Here, points will be distributed during a sprint race and the normal race. Finally, the drivers will compete in Abu Dhabi but realistically Max should be champion before this.

Which drivers will Verstappen equal if he wins this weekend?

Max Verstappen is already among the elite of Formula 1 history and is poised to further cement his impressive status. With three world titles in a row (2021-2023) and the possibility of capturing a fourth title this season, Verstappen can join a select group of drivers who have become world champions at least four times. Only greats like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel have accomplished that feat before.

How can I watch F1 Las Vegas?

Sky Sports customers will be able to watch the race live at 6am on Sunday morning, while Channel 4 will screen highlights at 10pm.

Start and Layout of the Las Vegas F1 Circuit

The start of F1 Las Vegas is located just a little outside the centre of Las Vegas. From here, one drives north towards the Las Vegas Sphere. This iconic building is one of many eye-catchers along the Las Vegas street circuit.

From the Sphere, a left turn to the West is initiated. Here, the drivers turn onto the Las Vegas Strip. On the Strip are all the famous casinos including the Hard Rock Hotel, The Venetian, The Marage, Caesars Palace, and, of course, the Bellagio.

After the Strip, the drivers turn towards the start again. Which is located at the end of a long straight.

In total, the circuit is 6.2 kilometres long from start to finish. The circuit further consists of a total of 17 corners and 3 long straights. Each lap, drivers can use DRS in 2 spots.

F1 Las Vegas Weather Forecast

Like last year, the three days at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit will be marked by daily temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. There is very little chance of rain. However, drivers may experience light wind gusts.

Further action around the track

During the Formula 1 weekend of the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024, there is of course much more to experience besides the race. Here are some highlights:

Live music and entertainment

Las Vegas, famous for its music and entertainment, offers live performances by world stars during the F1 weekend. During the weekend, Ludacris, Alesso and OneRepublic will perform at the T-Mobile Zone.

F1 Fanzone

Between sessions, the F1 Fanzone is the place to be. Here, fans can try F1 SimRacing, participate in the Pit Stop Challenge, and enjoy show cars, helmet and trophy exhibitions, and more. In addition, all 20 F1 drivers will take the stage for live Q&A sessions. This is a great opportunity to get closer to the stars of the sport.

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Fan Experience

Before the track action begins, fans can immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Fan Experience. Taking place on Las Vegas Boulevard opposite Wynn Las Vegas, this features F1 and F1 ACADEMY team performances, live entertainment, local food trucks and more! Admission is free, but tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional highlights on race day

On race day, Boyz II Men, the four-time GRAMMY award-winning R&B group, will sing the US national anthem on the starting grid, just before the start of the Grand Prix.

In short, the weekend offers not only spectacular motorsport, but also plenty of music, entertainment and activities for fans of all ages.