Formula 1 is heading into a pivotal stretch of its 2026 season, with a rising young Mercedes star leading the championship, Max Verstappen building momentum for Red Bull, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaching as one of the calendar’s biggest sporting and entertainment spectacles.
With the United States Grand Prix in Austin scheduled for October 23–25, followed by Mexico and Brazil, the championship picture could change considerably before the sport arrives on the Las Vegas Strip November 19–21.
1. The latest race results: Who is winning?
OCTOBER 11 · SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
Max Verstappen takes back-to-back victories
Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix for the first time, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in second and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli in third. The result gave Verstappen consecutive wins after his victory at the preceding Bahrain round.
OCTOBER 4 · BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX IN MALAYSIA
Verstappen returns to the top
Verstappen claimed the win ahead of Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium for Ferrari. The result signaled that Red Bull remained capable of challenging Mercedes despite Antonelli’s substantial championship advantage.
SEPTEMBER 26 · AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
George Russell delivers a dramatic win
Russell edged Verstappen by just 0.196 seconds in Baku. Isack Hadjar finished third for Red Bull, while Antonelli salvaged fifth after a qualifying crash.
The story so far: Mercedes has been the most consistent championship force, but Verstappen’s latest victories make Red Bull a serious threat heading into the final races.
2. Who is ahead of the game?
Championship leader
1. Kimi Antonelli — Mercedes
At just 20 years old, Antonelli is the driver to beat. His consistent podium finishes have established a commanding lead over teammate George Russell. He could become Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion if the necessary results fall his way.
Recent momentum
2. Max Verstappen — Red Bull
Two consecutive victories have put Verstappen back in the spotlight. His experience, racecraft and ability to capitalize on strategy could make him a major factor in Las Vegas, even as Antonelli remains the championship favorite.
3. George Russell — Mercedes
Russell remains second in the championship, but engine reliability and potential grid penalties are becoming important strategic concerns. He may choose Las Vegas for another power-unit change because the circuit offers better overtaking opportunities than some other tracks.
4. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton — Ferrari
Ferrari remains part of the fight for race wins. Leclerc’s Singapore runner-up finish and Hamilton’s earlier victory in Spain show the team’s potential, although consistent results will be critical as the season winds down.
The verdict: Antonelli is ahead in the championship race; Verstappen currently has the winning momentum; Mercedes has the strongest position to control the title outcome. These are different measures of who is leading the game.
3. The championship standings: Drivers and teams
The following standings are reported after the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11, 2026.
Drivers’ Championship
Top six · Points
1.Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – 340
2.George Russell – Mercedes – 238
3.Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari – 229
4.Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 221
5.Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – 215
6.Lando Norris – McLaren – 201
Constructors’ Championship
Top four teams · Combined driver points
| Pos. | Team | Points |
| 1 | Mercedes | 578 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 444 |
| 3 | McLaren | 339 |
| 4 | Red Bull | 332 |
Source: 2026 championship standings following Singapore.
Mercedes is in the strongest overall position, leading Ferrari by 134 points in the constructors’ championship. Antonelli also has a 102-point advantage over Russell in the drivers’ standings. If he wins in Austin and his rivals fail to score enough points, he could secure the title before the Las Vegas race.
4. What is in store for Las Vegas?
The Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix returns November 19–21, bringing elite motorsports back to the Strip for a weekend that blends high-speed competition, major entertainment and international tourism.
Race-week schedule
All times Pacific · Local Las Vegas time
- Thursday, November 19: Practice sessions
- Friday, November 20: Final practice and qualifying
- Saturday, November 21: Grand Prix race at 8 p.m.
Official event schedule.
A high-speed street circuit
The 6.2-kilometer (3.85-mile) circuit features 17 turns, long straights and a route past landmarks including the Bellagio and Caesars Palace. The layout rewards straight-line speed, braking performance and smart overtaking strategy. The race covers 50 laps.
Major entertainment beyond the track
The Heineken Stage lineup includes Icona Pop, Disco Dom, LP Giobbi and Eli & Fur, along with other performances and appearances by all 22 F1 drivers. The T-Mobile Zone at Sphere will offer additional live music and fan experiences.
Backstreet Boys at Sphere
One of the weekend’s major entertainment attractions is the Backstreet Boys’ F1 Afterparty at Sphere on Saturday, November 21, following the race. Special packages and add-on tickets are available through the event’s official ticketing channels, subject to availability.
5. Who has the advantage on the Las Vegas track?
The Las Vegas circuit presents a different challenge from Singapore’s tight street layout. Long straights, heavy braking zones and cool nighttime conditions can make tire management, aerodynamic efficiency and power-unit performance decisive.
My assessment of the leading contenders:
- Mercedes: The benchmark for season-long consistency. Antonelli and Russell give the team two strong opportunities to challenge for victory.
- Red Bull: Verstappen is arriving with consecutive wins and a renewed sense of momentum. He is a major candidate to win in Vegas.
- Ferrari: Leclerc and Hamilton have demonstrated race-winning potential, but need a stronger run of results to challenge consistently.
- McLaren: Norris remains a threat, particularly if the team finds the right setup and tire strategy for the circuit.
These are pre-race assessments, not confirmed predictions of the finishing order. Actual performance will depend on qualifying, weather, tire behavior, reliability and race strategy.
6. Las Vegas: The bigger picture
The Grand Prix is no longer simply a weekend of racing. It has become an important fixture in Las Vegas’s sports, hospitality and entertainment calendar.
In June 2026, Formula 1 announced a ten-year extension that will keep the race in Las Vegas through 2037. Formula 1 reported a cumulative economic impact of $3.2 billion for Southern Nevada since the event began, underscoring the race’s growing role in tourism, business and international promotion.
For local hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and businesses, the race creates opportunities to reach international visitors and premium travelers.
Final outlook: What to watch next
The next major turning point is the United States Grand Prix in Austin, October 23–25. If Antonelli clinches the championship there, Las Vegas could become a celebration of his breakthrough season, while Verstappen, Ferrari and McLaren fight for race victories and the remaining championship positions.
If the title remains undecided, Las Vegas could instead become a high-pressure showdown under the lights.
The bottom line: Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes are leading the season’s championship battle, Max Verstappen is the driver with the strongest recent winning momentum, and Las Vegas is preparing to deliver another major international motorsports and entertainment event.
For the latest official event announcements, schedules and ticket information, visit the Las Vegas Grand Prix official website.
Reporting note: Championship standings and race results reflect information available as of October 17, 2026. The Las Vegas Grand Prix has not yet taken place.
