His challenge started on the opening lap when, from second on the grid, he launched his RB19 down the inside of Charles Leclerc's polesitting Ferrari at the Turn 1/2 left-hander.
Max Verstappen won a sensational Las Vegas Grand Prix but it was by far the hardest-fought of his 18 grand prix wins in the 2023 Formula 1 season, featuring wing damage and a penalty.
