Lewis Hamilton dominated the first day of practice at the Las Vegas GP, setting the fastest times in both sessions. Hamilton’s performance contrasts sharply with Max Verstappen’s struggles, as the championship leader finished a disappointing 17th after battling grip issues.
Verstappen’s Challenges on a Tough Day
Max Verstappen, aiming to clinch his fourth drivers’ title this weekend, struggled with grip issues on the cold Las Vegas street circuit. Unable to complete a lap on soft tires, Verstappen admitted:
“We struggled a lot with making the tyres work… It feels like driving on ice.”
Despite a slightly more competitive long-run performance, Red Bull faces overnight adjustments to find better balance and grip ahead of the race. Verstappen needs to finish within two points of Norris to secure the title.
Hamilton Leads the Pack
Hamilton’s strong performance marked a standout day for Mercedes. He was 0.011 seconds quicker than Norris in the second session and nearly 0.4 seconds clear of George Russell in the first. The seven-time champion noted that his race pace needed improvement, saying:
“The car felt great in P1 but less so in P2. There’s work to do overnight to improve race pace.”
Mercedes vs. Rivals
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff tempered expectations, calling the team “low-grip champions,” acknowledging how conditions could change. Russell, however, remained optimistic:
“The gap we’ve shown has been substantial, and I hope we can continue this form.”
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc displayed strong race pace during practice, while Norris remains a wildcard with his consistent speed.
What’s Next?
As conditions improve and the track gains grip, qualifying and race strategies will be pivotal. Verstappen must overcome Red Bull’s current struggles, while Hamilton looks to convert his practice pace into a strong race finish.
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