Russell “surpasses” Piastri and Sainz: The championship race is getting increasingly exciting.

Mercedes driver George Russell made a statement during Friday’s third and final practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, setting the fastest time of the day ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. With the glittering Las Vegas Strip as the backdrop, Russell’s performance not only showcased his skill but also hinted at a promising start for Mercedes heading into Saturday’s qualifying and the race itself.

Russell Dominates Las Vegas Practice

In what was an intense session, Russell consistently found speed, outpacing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri—who has been showing impressive form all season—and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, both of whom were among the quickest drivers. However, the session was cut short after a dramatic late red flag, which prevented any last-minute improvements and added a layer of suspense to the session’s final results.

Russell’s performance in the Las Vegas GP’s final practice was a strong indication that Mercedes is continuing to make progress, particularly after a season filled with ups and downs. Russell’s ability to maintain his focus and extract the maximum performance from his car during the high-pressure session underscored his growing confidence and ability to thrive on street circuits like the one in Las Vegas.

Oscar Piastri Shows Consistency

Not far behind in second place was Oscar Piastri, McLaren’s breakout star. The Australian driver has had an outstanding season, and his performance in Las Vegas suggests that McLaren’s recent improvements are yielding solid results. Piastri has shown impressive consistency all year, and his ability to challenge for the top spots, particularly on a challenging circuit like the one in Las Vegas, highlights his maturity and the growing strength of McLaren’s car development.

Carlos Sainz Shines for Ferrari

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completed the top three, continuing his impressive run of form for the Scuderia. Sainz has been a consistent presence at the front this season and has demonstrated the ability to extract maximum performance from his Ferrari, especially on circuits that require precision and handling, like the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Las Vegas Qualifying and the Race

With Russell, Piastri, and Sainz leading the way, all eyes will be on Saturday’s qualifying session to see if any of the top drivers can maintain their momentum or if a new challenger will emerge. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is always an unpredictable race, and with the added glamour of the city’s lights and atmosphere, it promises to be an unforgettable weekend for F1 fans.