Hamilton, Piastri headline F1 stars with everything on the line in Vegas

The stage appears finely poised for an electifying outing under the lights. However, for a select few, it might not be quite as enjoyable. While several drivers enter the Las Vegas Grand Prix with little to prove to their respective teams, others have it all to play as the spotlight beams down on the weekend in Nevada.

Since its return to the F1 calendar in 2023, the night race has proven to be a show-stopper of an event, and this year’s edition could well be another nail-biter, particularly considering that a few drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri, enter the race with plenty to prove.

With lights out for the Vegas race just days away, here’s a look at the drivers with the most to prove at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

It has been nothing short of a challenging chapter for the seven-time world champion at Scuderia Ferrari, and his recent run of results has done little to ease his woes. Since etching his name into Ferrari’s unwanted history books with his podium drought in COTA, subsequent races have shown few signs of an upward swing in performance.

In Mexico, a 10-second penalty meant he failed to finish anywhere near the front-running drivers. Sao Paulo wasn’t any better, as the British driver was forced to retire after suffering floor damage due to an early collision.

While Hamilton’s time at Ferrari has undoubtedly been turbulent, comments from the team’s chairman, John Elkann, have further fuelled speculation of tension within the team. Elkann stated that Ferrari’s drivers need to focus more on driving for the team, rather than themselves.

Hamilton subtly responded to those comments with a cheeky social media post, but the best way he can respond to his critics is on track. A strong showing in Vegas would send the right message.

Fittingly, Las Vegas is the last circuit where Hamilton stood on the podium, finishing second with Mercedes in 2024. A return to the rostrum would be the perfect way for the 40-year-old to quieten the noise currently surrounding him and his stint at Ferrari so far.

“When it rains, it pours,” as the saying goes, but for Piastri, it’s beginning to feel like a full-blown storm. The Australian simply can’t seem to catch a break, particularly since his forgettable outing in Baku.

The 24-year-old has lost his championship lead to teammate Lando Norris and has failed to return to the podium since Monza.

It’s been talk after talk of a redemption arc and rediscovering his form since Singapore – something the McLaren driver has yet to manage. Last time out at the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, Piastri crashed in the sprint and then earned himself a 10-second penalty for causing a collision during the race.

Following the conclusion of the Interlagos event, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated that the team would review the Australian’s race execution in comparison with Norris, who appears to be on a whole new level in recent races.

What’s worrying for Piastri is that the Las Vegas streets have not been a favourite hunting ground for either him or McLaren. His best result at the circuit remains the seventh place he achieved in 2024.

The Red Bull Racing driver rounds off our list of those with points to prove in Las Vegas. The Japanese driver appears to have slipped back into his early-season form after showing flashes of improvement, particularly since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old appeared to have gradually found his rhythm, particularly with a double points finish during the COTA Sprint and Grand Prix. However, Tsunoda’s form has since declined, and he has failed to score points in the last two races.

The pressure on Tsunoda to perform also intensifies, especially as Red Bull’s decision on its remaining seat for the 2026 campaign is expected to be made over the final few races of the season. A good showing in Vegas could strengthen the Japanese driver’s chance of remaining within the Red Bull family for 2026.

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