Breaking: Hamilton ROARS back as slippery track causes chaos…read more
Hamilton ROARS back as slippery track causes chaos…read more
Formula 1 roared into action under the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip as drivers took to the track for the first practice session of the weekend. The session, held early Friday morning (Thursday night local time), featured a challenging mix of cold weather and a dusty street circuit, creating tricky conditions for the grid.
Drivers faced difficulty navigating the unfamiliar layout, with several slipping off into run-off areas during their initial laps. While the cold and dust made traction a significant issue, no driver collided with the barriers, allowing the session to progress without major incidents. Teams focused on cleaning the track surface and collecting early data to prepare for the high-stakes race ahead.
Amid the chaos, it was Mercedes who stole the spotlight, with Lewis Hamilton delivering a commanding performance. The seven-time world champion laid down a blistering lap late in the session to top the timing sheets, outpacing his teammate George Russell by nearly four-tenths of a second. The Silver Arrows’ pace was unmatched, with Hamilton finishing almost a full second ahead of anyone outside the Mercedes camp.
Max Verstappen, fresh off securing his latest world title, struggled to find his rhythm on the slick circuit. The Red Bull driver ended the session in fifth place, trailing his closest title rival, Lando Norris. Norris, driving for McLaren, impressed with the third-fastest time, further cementing his status as a rising star in the sport.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured the fourth-best time, continuing the heated battle between Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull for supremacy in the constructors’ standings. With only a few races left in the season, every session is critical in determining the final championship order, particularly in the mid-field battle.
The unique Las Vegas street circuit, making its return to the Formula 1 calendar after decades, has already proven itself to be a challenge. The combination of high-speed straights and tight corners, coupled with the unpredictable conditions, is set to test the skills of the world’s best drivers.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Mercedes to see if their strong start can translate into a race-winning performance. Meanwhile, Red Bull will aim to recover lost ground, and McLaren and Ferrari will look to capitalize on any missteps in their hunt for vital points.
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