Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the latest Formula One news ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton previews Las Vegas Grand Prix

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is upon us as the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen take in all the atmosphere in the American desert ahead of one of the most highly-anticipated races of the season. The drivers have already attended an eventful launch party overnight as they look forward to Sunday’s race.

Red Bull star Verstappen has made his thoughts perfectly clear after each driver was paraded into the preview party, insisting that this controversial weekend is “99 per cent show, one per cent sporting event”.

Upon each driver’s arrival to the paddock, a welcome sign was changed to their name while they were joined by a group of Elvis Presley and Blue Man Group impersonators.

Ahead of the race, Hamilton will be looking to gain ground on Sergio Perez in the battle for second place as he sits just 32 points behind Verstappen’s team-mate.

For all the latest news and updates ahead of the Las Vegas GP follow below…

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the Las Vegas GP launch party. (Image: Getty)8 hours ago08:13 Jack McEachen

Inside F1’s Vegas party

Last night’s opening ceremony certainly caught the eye after Formula 1 descended onto Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years.

Drivers were welcomed by being placed on ‘Hunger Games-style’ platforms and paraded around, while magician Piff the Magic Dragon was also in attendance.

Though not all of the drivers enjoyed the grand event, as Max Verstappen has been one to hit out ahead of Sunday’s race.

8 hours ago07:32 Jack McEachen

Norris discusses next Verstappen team-mate

McLaren star Lando Norris has snubbed Sergio Perez when asked who could be the next driver to race alongside Max Verstappen for Red Bull.

Perez’s future remains up in the air and Norris has thrown his own name into the ring when asked about potential replacements.

“I would like to be one at some point,” Norris said when asked about those talked up as candidates. “Who else could it be? It would be nice if it was Lewis [Hamilton], it would be amazing to see him.

“Or Fernando [Alonso], or Carlos [Sainz], or Charles [Leclerc], or [George] Russell? They’re all great drivers who you know would make it tougher for him. There have always been rumours with me and other drivers.”

Lando Norris discussed the next Red Bull driver. (Image: Getty)8 hours ago07:29 Jack McEachen

Wolff on Hamilton future

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has been discussing Lewis Hamilton’s future at the Silver Arrows.

The Brit penned a new two-year extension this season to take him up until the end of 2025, after speculation he would be prepared to leave the team.

But Wolff believes that Hamilton has plenty left in the tank.

“He is 39 in January, and Fernando (Alonso – 42) is still going strong,” Wolff said when asked about the possibility of Hamilton racing past his current contract.

“As long as you look after yourself, you do the best preparation, physically and mentally, and develop different areas to when you are 25, then yes.

“We just need to give him a car that is quick enough. And, as a driver, I have no doubt about him. You have seen in the last races that his performance, speed and race craft are all there. But, if he doesn’t have the car underneath him, he cannot win.”

8 hours ago07:27 Jack McEachen

Verstappen fumes at Las Vegas GP

Max Verstappen was not afraid to hold back when asked for his thoughts on the Las Vegas Grand Prix launch party.

The Red Bull star admitted that he felt “like a clown” during the opening ceremony and would prefer instead to focus on the racing.

“99 per cent show and one per cent sporting event,” Verstappen said. “I don’t have a lot of emotions to be honest, I just want to focus on the performance side of things, I don’t like all the things that are around, I know they are part of it, but it is not in my interest.

“[The track] is not very interesting], and I just want to do the best I can – there is no problem – but it’s not really my thing.

“If I like it or not, it is not up to me, but I am not going to fake it. I just voiced my opinion on positive and negative things, and that is just how I am.

“Some people like the show a bit more, I don’t like it at all. I grew up just looking at the performance side of things, and that is how I see it as well. I like to be in Vegas – but not so much for the racing.”