Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023: Max Verstappen Bags 18th Win In Spirited Formula One Race - In Pics

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen won his 18th race of the season on Sunday with a pass of Charles Leclerc at the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023, which turned out to be one of the most competitive events of the season despite a disastrous start to Formula One's expensive extravaganza. “Viva Las Vegas! Viva Las Vegas!” sang the three-time reigning world champion as he crossed under the checkered flag waved by Justin Bieber. Verstappen had slammed the race at every chance, yet raced in an Elvis-inspired firesuit and took the victory on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Verstappen, Leclerc and Sergio Perez were driven in a limousine to a podium located near the Bellagio — "we go straight to the nightclub,” Verstappen told his fellow podium finishers — but they were instead treated to the casino's famed fountain show.

Updated: 20 Nov 2023 9:39 am

Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 | Photo: AP/Nick Didlick

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, holds a trophy after winning the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix auto race in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 | Photo: AP/Darron Cummings

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, sprays champagne on the podium after winning the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix auto race in Las Vegas.

From left; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, of Monaco, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, and Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, of Mexico, far right, embrace on the podium after the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix auto race in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 | Photo: AP/John Locher

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, stands on top of his car after winning the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix auto race in Las Vegas.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, of Monaco, celebrates on top of his car after a second place finish during the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix auto race in Las Vegas.