5 BOLD Predictions for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Matt Hylen
5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

We are down to the final three races here in the 2025 Formula One season, with Las Vegas kicking off the first of a triple-header. This street circuit is always unpredictable, with track temperatures causing unpredictability all weekend long. Exhibit A? Qualifying on Friday; my goodness, what a crazy session!

Nevertheless, the grid is set, the drivers are ready, and fans should expect a crazy race!

Before I give you my predictions for the unpredictable track, here is a look at the starting grid for Saturday's race (Updated: 12:30 p.m. EST):

Lando Norris
Max Verstappen
Carlos Sainz
George Russell
Oscar Piastri
Liam Lawson
Fernando Alonso
Isack Hadjar
Charles Leclerc
Pierre Gasly
Nico Hülkenberg
Lance Stroll
Esteban Ocon
Oliver Bearman
Franco Colapinto
Alex Albon
Kimi Antonelli
Gabriel Bortoleto
Lewis Hamilton
Yuki Tsunoda (Pit Lane)

Now, let's get predicting!

Esteban Ocon will Finish Ahead of his Teammate

Believe it or not, but in a race in which both Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman finished, the last time Ocon beat Bearman in a race was in AUSTRIA. That was 11 races ago all the way back in June. Ocon has been in a major slump in the second half of the season, which is not a good look whatsoever when compared to his rookie teammate.

With that being said, I like his chances to turn things around in Vegas. With the track so unpredictable, experience could reign supreme for the midfield teams. He starts one place ahead of Bearman in the race, which I think he keeps by race end.

Antonelli and Hamilton will Combine for over 10 Gained Positions

With the pair of Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli starting in the bottom 5, making any sort of overtakes on a track that is so difficult to get the tires up to temp will be challenging. However, if anyone can do it, it's these two. Mercedes have thrived at Vegas before (last year's 1st and 2nd place finish being the most recent example) while Ferrari looked very solid in the dry conditions in practice. I have a feeling Antonelli and Hamilton will do everything they can to get back up around the points, causing me to believe they will make light work of the back of the field at the very least.

There will be NO Safety Cars During the Race

This one is bold in my mind due to the fact that we have no idea what the track condition will look like. The weather is saying a dry race, but it also said dry qualifying until the rain started pouring down. Regardless, these drivers showed in qualifying their elite ability to keep the car on track, which I think will translate over to the Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz will Get Anohter Podium

After being called to the stewards for a possible track re-entering infringement during qualifying, all signs point to Sainz starting where he qualified. In that case, Sainz has looked tremendous thus far, and so has the car. I think Sainz has a legitimate chance to win this race, since McLaren and Red Bull should take a step back in pace with the dry conditions, but a podium would be great nonetheless.

George Russell will Win the Las Vegas Grand Prix

A lot will have to happen, but no one can deny how good George Russell and Mercedes are around the Vegas track. We saw George dominate last year, and it looked like he was going to again this year until Q3 foiled his chances at pole. However, with the conditions looking dry for the Grand Prix, I think Mercedes will take a step forward while the McLarens and Red Bull of Max Verstappen will take a step back. George is never afraid to get his elbows out either, which should benefit him on a track like this. Do not be shocked if Russell explodes off the line and overtakes the cars ahead to win this race.