Ferrari Identifies F1 Las Vegas Start Time Change as Potential Game-Changer

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur believes the two-hour earlier start time for the Las Vegas Grand Prix could significantly alter the competitive order, a factor that favored Mercedes in last year's colder conditions.

Why it matters:

Ferrari is keen to reverse its recent dip in form and capitalize on any strategic advantage. The Scuderia currently sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship, 32 points behind Mercedes and four points adrift of Red Bull, making every race crucial for securing a higher finish. The unique cool conditions of Las Vegas, coupled with the schedule change, present a fresh challenge and a potential opportunity for teams to shift the pecking order.

The Details:

• Changed Schedule: Both qualifying and the Grand Prix in Las Vegas have been moved forward two hours, from 10:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time.
• Impact on Temperature: This earlier start theoretically means warmer track temperatures, which could change how tires behave and how cars perform compared to last year's very cold conditions.
• Last Year's Race: In 2023, Mercedes dominated the Las Vegas GP, securing a comfortable one-two finish with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Their car performed exceptionally well in colder climates and was adept at generating tire heat in the desert night.
• Ferrari's 2023 Performance: Ferrari was the second-best team last year, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finishing third and fourth, respectively, ahead of Max Verstappen and the McLarens.
• Vasseur's Insight: "Last year, the race was quite late," Vasseur stated. "It was quite extreme on the tyres. It was a lot about putting the tyres in the temperature window. Perhaps now, with the new timing, it will be a bit different."
• Weather Forecast Complication: Early forecasts, however, predict a cold snap for Las Vegas during the F1 weekend, potentially offsetting the warmer temperatures expected from the earlier start and possibly leading to even colder conditions than last year.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's focus on this specific detail highlights the razor-thin margins in Formula 1 and how even minor schedule adjustments can have significant technical implications. Teams spend countless hours simulating and preparing for every variable, and tire management in varying temperatures is often a key differentiator. With the Constructors' Championship battle so tight, any advantage, however small, could prove decisive.

What's next:

Ferrari desperately needs a strong performance after a challenging round in Brazil, which saw them fall further behind in the constructors' standings. The team will be closely monitoring the actual track temperatures and tire behavior throughout the practice sessions to adapt their strategy. If the cold snap materializes, all teams will be back to square one, trying to optimize their cars for extremely low temperatures, potentially leveling the playing field and offering Ferrari a chance to outperform its rivals.