Lewis Hamilton led George Russell’s Mercedes 1-2 in first practice as Formula 1 returns to the Strip at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Silver Arrows took advantage in the final stages of the session to finish ahead of the rest of the field, mounting the softest and fastest tire compounds on a rapidly improving surface under the city’s blinding lights.
Hamilton’s time of 1:35.001 was almost 0.4 seconds ahead of Russell, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc just inches clear of the seven-time world champion in third and fourth respectively.
Max Verstappen, who could win his fourth consecutive drivers’ title in Sunday’s race, also finished just over a second behind Hamilton in fifth.
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Esteban Ocon narrowly escaped crashing into the back of Lance Stroll during first practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Verstappen can win the world championship with two races remaining if he stays ahead of Norris on Sunday, while the Dutchman could take the crown if he doesn’t lose more than three points to the McLaren driver.
Carlos Sainz was sixth for Ferrari, considered by many to be the favorite to win this weekend due to his strong performance in F1’s return to Las Vegas last year and his recent strong performances.
Ferrari is attempting to close a 36-point gap on Constructors’ Championship leaders McLaren, with Red Bull a further 13 points behind.
A slippery start doesn’t paint a clear Vegas outlook.
The special nature of the event, with the famous Strip in Las Vegas closed and F1 taking over for the night of November 3, resulted in the circuit being much dirtier than drivers were used to.
The opening session began with a chorus of complaints over the radio, with Verstappen comparing the conditions to “driving on ice”.
This is despite Red Bull being the only team to send their drivers on soft tires from the start, as most of the field started on medium tires.
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Sky Sports Ted Kravitz explains why drivers are having trouble getting into the pit lane at the Las Vegas GP.
Times gradually improved as the circuit filled out encouragingly, but the real action began when Ferrari went soft with about 20 minutes left and reached the top of the timetable.
Norris improved the benchmark shortly afterwards, but it was Mercedes who waited until the closing stages to show strong speed even on the intermediate compound.
Russell and Hamilton both performed two flying laps, each setting a new fastest lap. This meant that Hamilton, who was behind his team-mate on the track, had the opportunity to make the final decision, but went much faster and achieved an impressive result.
Mercedes, who have been out of form since the sport’s summer break, must now avoid a repeat of several other instances this season where they impressed in early practice sessions before slowing off later in the weekend.
There has been nothing like the drama of last year’s first practice, which saw long delays due to loose drain covers, but minor changes in the form of new paint may be needed to help drivers stay within the pit lane entry line.
Williams duo Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto were both booked for failing to maintain the faint white entry line, with Russell appearing on team radio to voice his concerns over the issue.
Live Las Vegas GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
Friday, November 22nd
5:45 AM: Las Vegas GP Practice 2
7:15 AM: F1 Show*
Saturday, November 23
2:15 AM: Las Vegas GP Practice 3*
5am: Preparing for Las Vegas GP qualifying*
6 a.m.: Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying*
8 AM: Ted’s Qualifying Note*
Sunday, November 24
4:30 AM: Grand Prix Sunday: Building to the Las Vegas GP*
6 a.m.: Las Vegas Grand Prix*
8 AM: Checkered Flag: Las Vegas GP Reaction*
9:00 AM: Ted’s Note*
*It will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1, where Max Verstappen could take the title. Stream the last three F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. There is no contract and you can cancel at any time.
