Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes delivered a jaw-dropping performance under the neon lights of Las Vegas. They led both practice sessions in a dramatic return to form that left even their own team scratching their heads.
The seven-time world champion, who recently made headlines with his upcoming move to Ferrari, showcased a blistering pace around the newly minted Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The unexpected surge in performance comes just two weeks after a disappointing showing in Brazil that had Hamilton questioning his future with the team.
“This is the first time I’ve had a day like that this year,” Hamilton beamed after the sessions. “I’m enjoying driving the track, though it’s difficult to know exactly why we are where we are.”
Team Principal Toto Wolff offered a characteristically colorful explanation for their sudden speed advantage: “I think we are dirty track champions,” he quipped, referring to the dusty conditions on the street circuit. The Mercedes boss acknowledged that while the gap to their rivals was “the biggest we’ve seen so far in FP1,” he remained cautiously optimistic about maintaining their advantage.
The British domination extended beyond Hamilton, with teammate George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris completing an all-British top three. Russell, who secured second place in the opening session, shared the team’s bewilderment at their newfound pace.
“We’re scratching our heads a little bit,” Russell admitted. “The gap we showed this morning and evening has been pretty substantial, but I’m sure our rivals will work hard overnight to close it.”
In a surprising twist, reigning champion Max Verstappen struggled to find his rhythm, finishing a distant 17th in the second practice session, a full two seconds behind Hamilton’s pace. The Dutch driver’s uncharacteristic position raises questions about Red Bull’s setup choices for the unique challenges of the Las Vegas track.
The practice sessions marked a dramatic improvement from last year’s troubled debut, which saw opening practice delayed due to track surface issues. Both sessions ran smoothly, this time under the dazzling Las Vegas skyline, with cool temperatures in the desert night air.
The Mercedes resurgence comes at a crucial time in the season, with championship implications still in play. Norris needs to take at least three points out of Verstappen’s 62-point lead to keep his title hopes alive, while Hamilton aims to improve his current seventh-place standing in the championship.
Track Evolution Key Factor
The unique nature of the Las Vegas street circuit, combined with long straights and technical sections, appears to have played into Mercedes’ hands. However, drivers and team officials expect significant track evolution as more rubber is on the surface.
“Because we were fast today, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll replicate it tomorrow,” Russell cautioned. “The track will probably be three seconds faster by then.”
As teams work through the night to analyze data and optimize their setups, the question remains whether Mercedes can maintain their advantage when it matters most in qualifying and the race. With Ferrari and McLaren showing promising pace and Red Bull’s history of finding performance overnight, the stage is set for an epic battle under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
This performance is a powerful reminder of his capabilities for Hamilton, who has experienced a rollercoaster season. “I knew coming into this weekend that it’s not my driving,” he stated firmly, setting the stage for one of the year’s most exciting qualifying sessions.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is proving to be more than just a spectacle – it’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 Formula 1 season, with Mercedes hoping their unexpected pace is more than just a desert mirage.