Mercedes Impresses as Hamilton Outpaces Russell in Las Vegas FP1

Lewis Hamilton delivered an impressive performance during the first practice session (FP1) of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday, finishing fastest ahead of his Mercedes teammate, George Russell.

Hamilton Tops the Timesheets

The seven-time world champion clocked the quickest lap with a time of 1:35.001, edging out Russell by 0.396 seconds. Lando Norris of McLaren rounded out the top three, trailing by 0.953 seconds.

The session took place under cool and slippery conditions on the newly constructed street circuit in the Nevada desert, adding a unique challenge for the drivers.

A Turnaround for Hamilton

Hamilton’s dominant FP1 performance came after expressing frustration with Mercedes following a disappointing 10th-place finish in São Paulo. The British driver described that weekend as “a disaster” and labelled the car as “the worst” he had driven.

Despite those struggles, Hamilton’s pace in Las Vegas suggests a potential return to form as he seeks to end the season on a high note.

Verstappen Struggles to Keep Up

Max Verstappen, the defending Las Vegas Grand Prix winner and three-time world champion, finished fifth in FP1. The Red Bull driver was 1.037 seconds off Hamilton’s time, raising questions about his performance heading into Saturday night’s race.

Bottas Penalized

Valtteri Bottas faced a setback after incurring a five-place grid penalty for exceeding the power unit component limit. The Alfa Romeo driver began the session with a new energy store, which led to the penalty.

A Better Start for Las Vegas

The opening practice session marked a significant improvement from last year’s chaotic start. In 2023, FP1 was halted after just eight minutes due to severe damage sustained by Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari when a loose drain cover disrupted the session. This year, the Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers ensured a smoother and safer beginning to the weekend.

Key Takeaways

• Hamilton’s FP1 dominance sets a positive tone for Mercedes after recent struggles.
• Russell continues to demonstrate his strong pace, closely following Hamilton.
• Norris shows McLaren’s competitive form, securing a top-three finish in FP1.
• Verstappen’s slower performance raises intrigue ahead of Saturday’s night race.
• Improved preparations allowed for a successful Las Vegas GP start, avoiding last year’s early disruptions.

The drivers will return for the second practice session (FP2) as they continue to adapt to the unique Las Vegas circuit. With Hamilton in strong form, Mercedes looks poised to challenge for a significant result in the penultimate race of the 2024 season.