The Las Vegas Grand Prix has kicked off with a thrilling return to action for Formula 1, and it was Lewis Hamilton who stole the limelight, topping both Free Practice sessions. Under cold and low grip conditions, Mercedes showcased their capability to handle the challenging environment, setting the track alight with their performance.
Thrilling Opening for Mercedes
In the first two practice sessions held on Thursday night, Hamilton emerged as the fastest, displaying flawless control in the compromising weather. McLaren’s Lando Norris closely followed, securing second position just ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. The Ferrari pair, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, filled the fourth and fifth slots respectively.
Red Bull’s Missed Opportunity
Red Bull faced a stumbling block during the second practice session. Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were denied an opportunity for a soft tyre time attack due to a red flag. This interruption was caused by Alex Albon’s Williams halting on track with a fuel system issue. Consequently, Verstappen ended FP2 in 17th with his best attempt on medium tyres, while Perez was positioned 19th.
Implications for the Championship
As the championship race continues, Max Verstappen stands a chance to secure his fourth consecutive F1 world title this weekend. For that to happen, Lando Norris must fail to outscore him by more than two points in the remaining contests.
Timings and Viewing Guide
Qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled to commence at 10:00 pm local time or 6:00 am GMT on Friday, using the standard Q1, Q2, and Q3 knockout session format.
Televised Coverage
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage of the qualifying session starting at 5:00 am GMT on Saturday. Highlights will be available on Channel 4 at 10:10 am GMT the same day, providing a comprehensive roundup of the key events of the race weekend so far.
Online and Radio Availability
The sessions can also be streamed online via NOW if you have a Sky subscription, offering a flexible option for those wishing to watch the drama unfold. Additionally, BBC Radio 5 Live will cover the qualifying session live, starting at 6:00 am GMT.
Weather and Conditions
The weather forecast for the start of qualifying in Las Vegas suggests clear but cold conditions. With temperatures predicted to be around 11 degrees Celsius, teams will need to navigate the low winds and low chances of rain to set competitive times.
Results from Practice Sessions
Mercedes continued their strong performance with Hamilton clocking a best time of 1’33.825 in FP2. Lando Norris followed closely with just a 0.011 second gap, while George Russell and the Ferraris trailed behind the leading duo.
Lewis Hamilton showed formidable speed in both sessions, indicating a return to form for the Silver Arrows as they look to end the season on a high note.
