Verstappen hit by BIZARRE issue at Las Vegas Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has been hit by a bizarre issue at the Las Vegas Grand Prix during the first session of the weekend.

The Dutchman can claim his fourth consecutive title this weekend, following a spectacular victory last time out at the Brazilian GP.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen in Las Vegas GP NIGHTMARE as FIA announce major penalty

READ MORE: Major Red Bull ERROR to blame for Las Vegas Grand Prix disaster

If Verstappen wins the race Las Vegas, or indeed finishes higher than title rival Lando Norris, then he will join the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost despite a turbulent year for the Red Bull star on-track.

Prior to Brazil, the champion had not won a grand prix since the Spanish GP, with Red Bull not only outpaced by McLaren, but also Ferrari in recent races.

READ MORE: Red Bull announce 2025 signing on MULTI-YEAR contract

Max Verstappen reports strange FP1 issue in Las Vegas

Whilst it will take a herculean effort for Norris to remain in the fight for this first world title in Las Vegas, the Brit has got off to an encouraging start in FP1 this weekend.

Norris finished the session P3, behind the two Mercedes' of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, as the drivers battled with the tricky conditions in the dust.

Verstappen only managed to set the fifth best time, and was also plagued by a bizarre issue throughout the first session.

“Mate, the **** wheel! This…,” he said during FP1.

“There’s this connection issue. The radio went on by itself.”

When the cars assembled on the starting grid towards the end of the session, Verstappen once again reported the problem.

“The steering wheel sometimes randomly disconnects,” he added.

The Dutchman also endured a torrid time in FP2, finishing down in P17, while Norris was up in second.

READ MORE: Hamilton drops Mercedes BOMBSHELL ahead of Las Vegas GP

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Inside Max Verstappen's radical preparation for Nurburgring 24 Hours race: No sleep for F1 star

• 1 hour ago

F1 legend Lewis Hamilton in 'feels like home' emotional Mercedes reunion

• Today 12:57

Ferrari 'concerned' after lacklustre Lewis Hamilton performance

• Today 08:58

Nurburgring 24 Hours: Meet Max Verstappen's team-mates for iconic race this weekend

• 2 minutes ago

Red Bull placed on red alert as FIA president confirms multi-team ownership investigation

• 3 hours ago

Nurburgring 24 Hours: Seven iconic cars to watch, from Schumacher tribute to Dacia 'shopping cart'

• Today 10:55