Lewis Hamilton made an ideal begin to the Las Vegas Grand Prix by main each observe classes on Friday, whereas championship chief Max Verstappen struggled for tempo.
Hamilton was quickest within the first observe session, however he set the tempo within the second observe session to focus on Mercedes’ sturdy type in cool Las Vegas circumstances.
Lando Norris got here into the weekend simply 0.011 seconds behind Hamilton as he appears to maintain his title race alive as he trails Verstappen by 62 factors with three races remaining.
Norris should be at the very least three factors forward of Verstappen heading into Sunday’s 6am race to retain the title and will probably be buoyed by Purple Bull’s lack of tempo.
Verstappen did not run on the gentle tire through the second observe session and dropped again to seventeenth, however by no means seemed like difficult for the entrance place.
Following their sensible win within the rain in Brazil final trip, Purple Bull have been on the again foot in most occasions within the second half of the season.
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Watch Lewis Hamilton set quickest lap in first observe at Las Vegas Grand Prix
George Russell was additionally quick all through the day and completed third, simply 0.190 seconds behind Hamilton, who’s coming to the tip of 12 seasons at Mercedes earlier than becoming a member of Ferrari in 2025.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc rounded out the highest 5, with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly ending a stunning sixth, an additional behind them A surprising double podium end in São Paulo comes with only one race remaining.
There will even be a one-hour observe session at 2.30am on Saturday, adopted by qualifying at 6am – stay Sky Sports activities F1 and sky sports activities important occasion.
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Sky Sports activities’ Ted Kravitz explains why it is onerous for drivers to get into pit lane at Las Vegas Grand Prix
Chilly climate helps Mercedes
After the summer time break, Mercedes managed only one podium in seven races, with Hamilton and Russell typically battling within the midfield moderately than up entrance.
Hamilton gained the staff’s ultimate victory in Belgium, though Russell completed first however was disqualified for unlawful racing.
A development for Mercedes this 12 months has been that they’re extra aggressive when temperatures are cooler, and Las Vegas is the coldest venue on the F1 calendar, with nighttime temperatures solely reaching round 15 levels Celsius.
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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff pokes enjoyable at Ferrari boss Fred Wasser after Lewis Hamilton was denied early testing with Ferrari resulting from Mercedes contract
Russell initially took the lead in second observe on the gentle tire, however Hamilton fought again earlier than Alex Albon was proven a quick pink flag with 20 minutes remaining. Stopped resulting from gas system points.
“I feel that is the primary time this 12 months that I’ve truly had a day like this,” Hamilton stated.
“The automotive felt superb in P1 and fewer so in P2. So we needed to do some work in a single day.
“It is onerous to know precisely the place we’re or why we’re the place we’re, however actually having fun with driving on the observe and we’ll see if the automotive remains to be the identical tomorrow.
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Lewis Hamilton displays on Friday’s observe session, with the Mercedes driver ending high of each observe classes
“I am feeling fairly good about myself. Like I stated, going into this weekend, I do know it isn’t going to be my motivation. I simply need to work onerous all night time lengthy and never make large adjustments. Hopefully get some good relaxation tonight and are available again sturdy tomorrow .
Most drivers have accomplished qualifying simulations, however not championship chief Verstappen or Purple Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
With each drivers locking up or working vast all through Friday, Verstappen could also be relieved to take care of a wholesome championship lead forward of the ultimate three-race collection in 2024.
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Alex Albon’s FP2 observe in Las Vegas minimize quick as his automotive is compelled off observe
“Max went outdoors into Flip 1, understeered slightly bit into Flip 2 after which acquired caught within the grime,” Sky Sports activities F1’s Karun Chandhok stated within the second Mentioned whereas being attentive to Verstappen’s gentle tire efficiency throughout observe.
“He aborted that lap and did one other lap to recharge and accomplished the primary two phases earlier than the pink flag, eight-tenths behind Hamilton. It did not look good.”
Sky Sports activities F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix stay schedule
Saturday, November 23
2.15am: Las Vegas Grand Prix observe three*
5 a.m.: Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying preparations*
6 a.m.: Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying*
8 a.m.: Ted’s Qualification Pocket book*
Sunday, November 24
4.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Preparations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix*
6 a.m.: Grand Prix in Las Vegas*
8 a.m.: Checkered Flag: Las Vegas Grand Prix Reactions*
9 a.m.: Ted’s Pocket book*
* Additionally broadcast stay on Sky Sports activities Principal Occasion
System 1 returns with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, stay on Sky Sports activities F1, with Max Verstappen more likely to seal the title. Watch the last three F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime
