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With just three races left in the 2025 season, F1 heads to Sin City and a night race unlike any other. Temperatures will be low, stakes will be high, and Mercedes look to return to the top step of the podium. Strap in as we review the top F1 Fantasy storylines ahead of the 22nd race of the season.
Antonelli On The Attack
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As first predicted on The Fantasy Formula's Second Half Preview, Kimi Antonelli regained his first half form in recent weeks. By outscoring the likes of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc over the last five races, Antonelli vaulted himself into an elite Tier B asset. During that stretch he also gained $1.8M in value, second on the grid to only Ollie Bearman.
For teams unable to afford a Norris/Russell/McLaren/Mercedes team, Antonelli brings a similar upside to his teammate but for $6.6M less. Teams with Norris/Antonelli/McLaren/Mercedes start at $125.8M, while stepping down from Mercedes to the likes of Haas and VCARB bring this lineup closer to $112M where most season-long players can afford it.
A unique alternative of Norris/Russell/Antonelli/McLaren/Haas starts at $130.6M and takes advantage of Haas's sensational form since their Mexican Grand Prix upgrades. The American outfit scored 45 and 54 points, respectively, in the two races since these changes and send the number 1 driver for overtakes (Bearman) into a circuit that ranked P1 and P2 over the last two years for overtaking totals.
Chip of the Week: Autopilot
While Lando Norris and Max Verstappen continue to battle for wins, Mercedes may challenge for the top fantasy score at a chilly night race. Norris's underwhelming results at this circuit include a P6 finish with no positions gained last season and a crash that ended his race in the inaugural event in 2023. Verstappen won this race two years ago but only finished one spot above Norris, a disappointing P5, in 2024 but was crowned World Drivers' Champion upon taking the checkered flag.
Mercedes took a 1-2 finish in Las Vegas last season and George Russell logged his third highest fantasy total of the season with 36. The Briton's 2023 result may not have completely reflected his pace. While working his way back through the field after a pit stop, Russell made contact with Max Verstappen, costing both drivers precious time and Russell was assessed a 5-second time penalty for his involvement. He finished P8 with 14 fantasy points.
If either Russell or Antonelli can crack the podium positions once again, even a P2 or P3 finish could earn them the highest score of the weekend. Each driver holds three Fastest Lap awards (behind only the McLaren duo), while Antonelli would be a frontrunner for Driver of the Day if he stands on the podium for a second straight Grand Prix. For teams that still hold the Autopilot chip, this weekend offers the last great opportunity to move the DRS Boost to an unlikely driver.
Las Vegas: Overtaking Capital of the World
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Time to bust out the overtaking leaderboard one last time since this circuit ranked among the best in recent years. Second only to a rain-soaked Zandvoort in 2023 and top of the pile last season, this race produced four 15+ overtake performances led by Oscar Piastri's remarkable 20 passes two seasons ago. Interestingly, Piastri's 12 overtakes at this race last season also led all drivers.
Consider the overtaking leaders this season strong assets for this one: Ollie Bearman, Alex Albon, and Carlos Sainz. These drivers continue to produce consistent results while the P4 and P5 overtaking leaders, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, continue to oscillate between brilliance and DNFs this season. If a top driver is knocked out in Q1, Final Fix stands out in a race where drivers can make up significant ground.
Weather Outlook
The nighttime temperatures in Las Vegas present a unique challenge as drivers heat their tires into the optimal window. The forecast predicts rain on Friday that will subside before the start of Qualifying. Mercedes typically thrive in cool temperatures, more evidence that favors the Silver Arrows this weekend!
Betting Lines
The week begins with a fascinating shift at the top of the grid. Despite back-to-back wins, Lando Norris opens the week second to 2023 winner in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen. Shockingly, both Mercedes drivers jumped to P3 and P4, signaling the biggest tumble for Oscar Piastri this season. All three Mercedes assets project for a strong week, while double VCARB in the top 10 bodes well for teams with lower budgets.
The Fantasy Formula returns to answer your lineup questions one hour before Qualifying, this Friday at 10PM EST/Saturday 3AM GMT, only on the official FanAmp YouTube channel. See you there!
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