Two F1 Drivers Risk Breaking Strict US Law at Las Vegas GP
A couple of Formula 1 stars could break a strict American law if they put in a strong performance at this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The eyes of the motorsport world will turn to Nevada on Sunday, as the race takes place around the famous streets of Las Vegas.
With three race weekends left in the season, Lando Norris leads the Drivers' Championship, but both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen remain in contention.
McLaren have struggled in Las Vegas over the past two years, with their car not coping well with the cooler temperatures in the city.
Advert
That opens the door for other teams to challenge for victory, with Mercedes one of the outfits that have historically performed well at this circuit.
Last year, the team completed a one-two with George Russell beating Lewis Hamilton to the top spot of the podium.
Since then, Hamilton has moved to Ferrari and has been replaced by 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli.
The teenager recorded his first Grand Prix podium in Canada back in June, but struggled for form over the summer months.
However, he impressed at the most recent race in Brazil, holding off a charging Verstappen to finish second, his best result in Formula 1 so far.
If Antonelli can finish on the podium again this weekend, fans will be watching closely to see if he celebrates by drinking champagne.
The minimum legal drinking age in the United States is 21, so if Antonelli were to drink, he would technically be breaking the law.
Haas' Ollie Bearman, 20, is the only other driver on the grid under the legal drinking age in the US.
Although it is unlikely that the young Briton will finish on the podium, he impressed at the recent Mexico Grand Prix, finishing fourth.
Bearman also came sixth in Sao Paulo, and will be hoping to continue this good run of form.
Mercedes will be looking for their drivers to deliver strong performances in their Constructors' Championship battle.
They currently sit second with 398 points, while Red Bull Racing have 366 and Ferrari 362.
The difference between finishing second and fourth in the Constructors' Standings can be as much as £15 million in prize money.
Although Russell looks set to finish fourth in the Drivers' Championship, he will be keen to add to his two Grand Prix victories this season.
Meanwhile, Antonelli currently sits seventh in the championship, just 26 points behind Ferrari's Hamilton.
Given Ferrari's recent struggles, the Italian teenager will believe he has a chance of chasing down the Briton.
James Taylor