After Yuki Tsunoda qualified 19th for the 2025 F1 Las Vegas GP, Laurent Mekies reflected on a weekend that quickly unravelled following the difficult session. Red Bull chose to start Tsunoda from the pit lane, and an early stop put him onto a stint on hard tyres before switching to a set of used medium tyres for his run to the flag. Despite the aggressive approach, the strategy ultimately failed to work in their favour.
The Japanese driver crossed the line to finish the race in 14th. However, following the post-race disqualification of both McLarens, Tsunoda was ultimately promoted to 12th in the final race classification.
Speaking his in post-race print media session, Mekies spoke about the team’s approach to Tsunoda’s strategy in the F1 Las Vegas GP: “Yes, that was our intention to do it this way [the early pit stop]. Obviously with Yuki, we lost the points yesterday, we know that.
“And hence we tried to take a bit more risk and to be different compared to the field. We knew that otherwise we would just be stuck in traffic. So we tried to pit him very early, to give him some free air. Get him to show his pace. It was not enough today to get back in the points.”
“So it really feels like Formula 1 fell in love with Vegas this year” – Mekies on Formula 1’s popularity in Vegas
As Formula 1 returned to the Sin City for a third year, the overall reception of the event appeared noticeably more positive than in previous years amongst teams, drivers and fans. He noted that each race in Vegas has improved year on year, highlighting the sold-out crowds and stronger atmosphere. Mekies added that while last year’s event was memorable because of Verstappen’s fourth consecutive title, their performance on track had been far more challenging compared to this year.
“You know, at first I think every race in Vegas has been better than the previous one. And it pretty much feels like Formula 1 fell in love with Vegas this year. You can feel it. A lot more fans around the track. Completely sold out. A lot more atmosphere in the paddock. We also see it with our partners.
“Everybody is in Vegas this year. So it really feels like Formula 1 fell in love with Vegas this year, on year three. But you’re right, last year was a good day because it was a Max title. But it was a difficult day from a race pace perspective. I think we qualified P5, finished P5 in the race. Or P4, I can’t remember.”
However, as the weekend came to a close, Mekies ended by praising the team and expressing his gratitude for their continued hard work.
“But not in a position to fight for the win. And this year is a very different situation. Which again, big credit to everyone back in Milton Keynes for trying to take the learning, trying to bring solutions for the next race.”
