George Russell led the final practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Mercedes continued to show impressive pace ahead of qualifying.
After Russell’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton led in both practice sessions a day earlier, Mercedes were strong again as the pair spent most of the session at the top of the grid before the former was fastest in the closing laps which were cut short by a red flag.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastre was second, two places ahead of team-mate Lando Norris, with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari separating the pair.
Frustrated by his struggles for much of the session, Max Verstappen boosted his hopes of sealing the world championship this weekend by showing improved pace to finish fifth.
Verstappen can clinch his fourth consecutive drivers’ title after two races by simply pipping Norris in the race, while the Dutchman would also be crowned if he avoided losing three or more points to the McLaren driver.
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Lance Stroll caused an early red flag in FP3 after his car started smoking at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who failed to secure a clean lap on his new soft tires late in the session, was sixth but matched Russell evenly throughout.
The extraordinary nature of the event, which sees the famous Las Vegas Strip shut down in the evenings to allow F1 to take over, means the circuit is extremely dirty by the sport’s usual standards.
As the problem is exacerbated by the lack of support measures, which usually results in rubber being placed on the surface, the track improves rapidly with each session.
That situation was once again on display in the closing stages of the session, when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll suffered a technical failure that saw him stop on track with six minutes remaining.
A red flag was thrown to allow his car to clear safely, leaving only time for the drivers to re-enter the pit lane for the final moments of practice.
Sky Sports F1 live Las Vegas GP schedule
Saturday, November 23
5:00: Las Vegas GP Qualifying*
06:00. LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX QUALITY DEPARTMENT*
8:00: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday, November 24
4.30. Grand Prix Sunday. Las Vegas GP Rally*
6:00: LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX*
8 am: checkered flag. Las Vegas GP Reaction*
9:00: Teddy’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 returns with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend live on Sky Sports F1 where Max Verstappen could seal the championship. Stream the last three F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
