Albon Raises Concerns Over "Sketchy" Wet F1 Qualifying in Las Vegas

Alex Albon and Gabriel Bortoleto found the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying one of the toughest wet sessions they've experienced, as heavy rain created treacherous conditions on the famous Strip circuit. Both drivers, knocked out in Q1, questioned the FIA's decision not to red-flag the session due to severe aquaplaning.

Why it matters:

F1 qualifying in extreme wet conditions directly impacts race strategy and safety. When drivers like Albon describe conditions as "sketchy" and express surprise at not seeing a red flag, it highlights critical safety concerns and potentially inconsistent decision-making by race control, which can affect the integrity of the competition and driver well-being.

The details:

• Challenging Conditions: Both Albon (Williams) and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) described their qualifying sessions as among the most challenging wet conditions they've ever faced in a Formula 1 car.
• Q1 Exit: Both drivers were eliminated in Q1, with Albon starting 16th and Bortoleto 18th for the upcoming race.
• Traffic Issues: Albon noted being stuck in a slow group with Lewis Hamilton and Liam Lawson, leading to dirty air and only one clean lap, which hindered his rhythm and performance.
• Aquaplaning Concerns: Albon expressed significant surprise that the session wasn't red-flagged, citing "incredible" aquaplaning into Turn 14, describing it as a "lottery" and "sketchy."
• Track Layout Performance: Despite the severe wet conditions, Albon suggested the Las Vegas street circuit's layout—characterized by straight-line braking and accelerating rather than long, high-speed corners—handles wet weather better than some other tracks. He compared its performance to Canada in similar conditions.
• Confidence Drop: Bortoleto reported a significant loss of confidence with his car as the session progressed, struggling to find grip in the latter stages and calling it the "worst I've been in a Formula 1 car."

Between the lines:

Albon's comments about the FIA's handling of the wet session suggest a recurring debate about when to halt or red-flag sessions for safety. While he acknowledged the track's relative suitability for wet conditions, the extent of aquaplaning raises questions about the threshold for intervention. The balance between maintaining the schedule and ensuring driver safety is always delicate, but driver feedback on such extreme conditions is a critical indicator for race control.

What's next:

• The observations from Albon and Bortoleto are likely to fuel further discussions among drivers and the FIA regarding safety protocols for extreme wet weather qualifying, especially on street circuits.
• Teams will analyze their wet weather performance and tire strategies to prepare for any potential rain during the main race, as starting positions were significantly impacted by these conditions.
• The experiences of these drivers will contribute to ongoing evaluations of track design and drainage systems, particularly for newer street circuits like Las Vegas, to ensure optimal safety in adverse weather.
• The F1 community will closely watch the race itself to see how drivers manage the potentially unpredictable conditions, especially those starting further down the grid due to the tricky qualifying. Bortoleto, despite his disappointment, maintained a balanced outlook, embracing these challenging circumstances as part of what makes F1 exciting.