Lewis Hamilton led a one-two Mercedes from George Russell in first practice as Formula 1 returned to The Strip for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Silver Arrows took advantage of the softest and fastest tire compound in the closing stages of the session on the rapidly improving surface under the stunning city lights to finish off the rest of the field.
Hamilton’s time of 1:35.001s put him almost 0.4s ahead of Russell, while McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were just behind the seven-time world champion in third and fourth respectively.
Max Verstappen, who can seal his fourth consecutive drivers’ title in Sunday’s race, was also more than a second behind Hamilton in fifth.
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Esteban Ocon narrowly avoids crashing into the back of Lance Stroll during first practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Verstappen can win the world title in both races simply by finishing ahead of Norris on Sunday, while the Dutchman would also be crowned if he avoided losing three or more points to the McLaren driver.
Carlos Sainz was sixth for Ferrari, who many saw as favorites coming into the weekend due to his strong performance on F1’s return to Las Vegas last year, and a strong run of form of late.
Ferrari are trying to close a 36-point deficit on constructors’ championship leaders McLaren, with Red Bull a further 13 points behind.
The slippery start fails to paint the Vegas scene clearly
The unusual nature of the event, which sees the famous Las Vegas Strip shut down for F1 to take over for three nights in November, means the circuit is much dirtier than drivers are used to.
The opening session began with groups of complaints over the radio, with Verstappen comparing the conditions to “driving on ice”.
That’s despite Red Bull being the only team to send their drivers out on soft tires at the start, as most of the field started on mediums.
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Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz explains why drivers are fighting to get into the pit lane at the Las Vegas GP.
The times gradually improved as the circuit settled down, but the real action began when Ferrari switched to the softs with around 20 minutes remaining and shot to the top of the timesheets.
Norris improved the benchmark a few minutes later, but it was Mercedes, who had also shown strong pace on the medium difficulty, who waited until the closing stages.
Russell and Hamilton both set two flying laps, each setting a new fastest lap, which meant that Hamilton, who was trailing his team-mate on track, had the chance to have the last word, but made it impressive by going significantly faster.
Mercedes, whose form has dipped since the sport’s summer break, must now avoid a repeat of several other occasions this season when they impressed in early practice before dropping off the pace at the weekend.
There was nothing like the drama of last year’s first practice, when a loose drain cover was extended, but minor changes in the form of a fresh coat of paint may be needed to help drivers stay in the pit lane entry lanes.
Williams duo Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto both received cautions for failing to stay on the faded white entry lane, while Russell took to team radio to express concern over the matter.
Sky Sports F1 live Las Vegas GP schedule
Friday, November 22
5.45: Las Vegas GP practice two
7.15: F1 show*
Saturday, November 23
2.15: Las Vegas GP practice three*
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
