Max Verstappen has stated the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be characterised by managing tyre wear, with low temperatures again expected in the Mojave Desert.
The Dutchman has zeroed in on it as a determining factor at an event that should produce plenty of overtaking opportunities, given the layout of the circuit that snakes around and directly down the world-famous Las Vegas strip.
It also provides the 27-year-old, who won the inaugural running of the race last season, his first serious chance to wrap-up his fourth-consecutive F1 drivers' championship.
With a healthy 62-point advantage over Lando Norris and a maximum of 86 still on offer, Verstappen only needs to leave Nevada with a 60-point lead to be crowned.
"[Las] Vegas is the start of the final triple header of the year so this is the final push for everyone," the 62-time grand prix winner said.
"We performed well here last year and it is a really fast circuit, with long straights and a lot of opportunities to overtake and go racing.
"Once again, the temperatures look quite low so it will be about managing the tyres. We are taking each race as it comes and are looking forward to the final races of the season."
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To further buoy the Red Bull driver and his team, he was able to secure a first grand prix victory since June at the previous round in Sao Paulo.
To compound that, it was a masterful drive from Verstappen, who scythed his way through the field to win from P17 on the grid in tricky conditions.
"Brazil was an incredible race for us and a really special moment for myself and the team," the three-time F1 drivers' champion reflected.
"It was great to see us back to the form we were before; the team did an amazing job and we are hoping to continue this into the next few races."
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Samuel Coop is joined by guest host Joris Mosterdijk and Fergal Walsh as the RacingNews365 team looks ahead to the second running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Will Max Verstappen wrap up his fourth drivers’ championship or will it roll onto Qatar? Also, the trio dissect the recently-confirmed F1 Live event to celebrate the championship’s 75th season and a rather mysterious social media message from Mick Schumacher.
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