Mercedes enters the Grand Prix weekend in Las Vegas with confidence, but team boss Toto Wolff emphasizes that the battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship is far from decided. With three Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining, Mercedes stands at 398 points, closely followed by Red Bull, with 366 points, and Ferrari, with 362 World Championship points.
Mercedes reclaimed second place in the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil with the best combined result of the season. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell together amassed 43 points, split between the sprint race and the Grand Prix in São Paulo. This success comes at a crucial point in the season: last year, Mercedes clinched a dominant 1-2 on the Las Vegas street circuit. Even a year later, the W15 performs well in cold conditions, as demonstrated by the victory in the Canadian Grand Prix.
However, Wolff remains grounded. “We have regained our lead in the fight for second place, but we are certain of nothing,” he says in the team’s preview. “In Austin and Mexico, we saw how quickly that gap can disappear. And yes, our race here last year may have raised expectations outside the team, but we won’t let that get to us.” According to Wolff, the battle for P2 will be thrilling until the very last moment. “The field is incredibly competitive and it will be a fight to the finish line in Abu Dhabi. We have three tough race weekends ahead to determine who finishes on top, and we are ready for it.”
Nighttime Spectacle on the Strip
Finally, Wolff praises the unique character of the Las Vegas weekend. “Las Vegas is truly unlike any other Grand Prix,” he says. “Racing on the Strip in the dark has become an iconic part of the calendar. The fast and challenging circuit delivers both spectacle and great racing.” According to Wolff, the event is much more than just a show. “It attracts both existing and new fans, and I’m sure it will continue to do so for years to come. The first two editions were spectacular — and this year is undoubtedly going to be even bigger and better.”
