Lewis Hamilton gets Las Vegas GP ban as Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff puts his foot down

Mercedes will be banking on Lewis Hamilton this weekend as he attempts to seize second spot in the F1 standings from Sergio Perez but Toto Wolff appears to have already cashed out ahead of the Las Vegas GP

Hamilton certain Red Bull's fate is sealed after what F1 rival Verstappen did

Toto Wolff has slapped a team-wide betting ban on Mercedes ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

F1 rolls into Nevada for the penultimate race of the 2023 campaign. It is the first time that the city will host the sport since 1982, with the race taking place on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

This season’s winnings have already been cashed out to Dutchman Max Verstappen. Nevertheless, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff will hope that Lewis Hamilton still has an ace to play as he attempts to overtake Red Bull ’s Sergio Perez in the driver’s standings.

He comes into this weekend’s race off the back of a difficult weekend in Sao Paulo. Hamilton could only finish eighth at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, over a minute behind winning driver Verstappen.

While Wolff will be keeping a close eye on the track, he is ensuring that there are no further distractions in Sin City by banning everyone from taking a spin on any roulette tables throughout the weekend. Speaking to Motorsport.com Spain, he said: "I think everyone is looking forward to the Las Vegas race.

“Racing in this city is comparable to climbing Everest, hats off to Liberty Media for organising this race. I don't think I'm the only one in Formula One who has never been to this city, which is quite difficult to get around.

“We don't know how to get from the hotel to the circuit and back, but I'm sure we'll find a solution. I'm looking forward to the race.”

Speaking about the chance of any betting, he added: "As I said, I've never been to Las Vegas, but we'll do our best to make sure everyone in the team stays away from the casinos - I don't gamble and I'll make sure no one else gambles either!"

Despite Wolff looking forward to this weekend’s forthcoming race, it appears that not all are on board. Verstappen has already shared his thoughts on the trip to the USA and is less than convinced.

“First of all, I think we are there more for the show than the racing itself if you look at the layout of the track,” he said, via Planet F1. “But you know, I’m actually not that into it. I’m more like, I’ll go there and do my thing and be gone again.”

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Following this weekend’s race in Las Vegas, F1 then moves into the final race of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. There remains 32 points between Hamilton and Perez, who is currently occupying the runners-up spot.

Meanwhile, Mercedes are also aiming to hold onto second in the Constructor’s Standings. They currently hold a 20-point lead over Ferrari.

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