Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1
In setting a brilliant 1:32:726, the fastest lap of the qualifying at the maiden Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc took pole at the sport’s newest venue.
But again, how often has a Ferrari set a pole and not been able to convert it into a victory? On four previous occasions, Leclerc failed to convert his brilliant pole positions into a race win.
Taking nothing away from his huge talent and future world champion potential, Leclerc’s impressive poles at Mexico, USA, Belgium and Azerbaijan did deserve a race win, which didn’t sadly happen for the Scuderia family and their fans around the globe.
Which is why the biggest question at the moment besides the obvious one being whether Red Bull can again smash anything that comes in their way is this:
Can the Scuderia Ferrari SF-23, the #16 driven by the one and only Charles Leclerc claim victory at the latest destination in the United States; the other being Miami and Cota (Circuit of the Americas).
SportsTiger reckon that since the forthcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, which can be seen on the F1 TV app on Sunday, November 19 at 11.30 A.M., is a street track, catching Leclerc could be easy for either of the Red Bull’s.
But maybe, given the sheer will to win that this brilliant talent of our times has and in aplenty, Leclerc will likely avoid being overtaken by Verstappen, who it must be noted, begins from third on the grid.
And for sure, being ambitious and ruthless in Formula 1 is still about as free of cost as is asking for a warm hug from your soulmate. Right?
Speaking of soulmates, it wasn’t quite a soulful moment for Sainz. The only man thus far to win a race for Ferrari in 2023 and the pole sitter Leclerc’s teammate is to begin his race far back down in the pecking order despite bagging a second in qualifying.
That’s thanks to a 10-place grid drop as Ferrari had no other way but to change a host of power unit components following the first practice incident involving the Spaniard.
On the whole, Sainz can’t be faulted for it lies with the stupidly strange manhole incident, which the Las Vegas authorities involved in organising the race on ground should take the blame for.
His only fault, if any, has been a sheer lack of focus that has come his way this year despite claiming the sole Ferrari victory and that too, at the massively challenging Singapore.
That, however, has come at the background of disappointment for new age F1 fanboys who had to deal with seeing a driver whose name isn’t Charles, one who doesn’t belong to Monaco winning a race in 2023, which even Mercedes have failed to do.
Resultantly, three-time world champion Verstappen, will now have a clear shot at first taking P1 and then, nailing Leclerc to bag yet another win.
That’s a sight not Fred Vasseur critic, and definitely not the fans of the popular Monegasque would want.
But should Max win- not that Charles won’t defend from the menacingly talented Dutchman with all his might- will be victory number 53 for the Red Bull great.
But again, whether or not Lewis fans consider Max a great is probably far less concerning than what “could” transpire on race day.
Given the high-speed nature of most street circuits, whether one talks of Baku or Monaco, where overtaking is far riskier than running the risk of not saying good morning to a national dictator, can F1 really have an incident-free weekend at its Las Vegas debut.
How will the race day look in comparison to the not-so-bad quali-day? And will victory come to the one who deserves or the one we want on the podium’s top spot?
Being circumspect be darned, let’s hope for a fast, not furious, interesting and error free weekend that doesn’t have the botched-up spectacle of a loose manhole like the one we saw yesterday.
For if there are basic inadequacies, then it must be remembered: what happens in Vegas, won’t remain in Vegas; it’ll bring a city of lights and sleeps, big monies and adventure such a poor name. And that won’t be good for the sport.
SportsTiger predict a tight contest between Leclerc and Verstappen with the two McLarens, Mercedes and Williams involved in a desperate fight for mid-field brilliance.
Having said that, we at SportsTiger request you to place your bets cautiously and wisely and be mindful that gambling can be addictive and harmful in the end.