Hamilton Optimistic Despite Tricky Las Vegas Practice Day
Lewis Hamilton is cautiously optimistic after the opening practice day in Las Vegas, despite finishing tenth in FP2. He felt good in the car but couldn't complete a clean lap due to interruptions. Hamilton noted the slippery track conditions but expressed satisfaction with his car's setup, suggesting minimal changes ahead of qualifying. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc topped FP1 but faced technical issues and a steward inquiry.
Lewis Hamilton expressed moderate satisfaction with his performance on the opening day in Las Vegas, despite finishing FP2 in tenth position. The Mercedes driver noted that he felt good in the car but was hindered by yellow and red flags preventing him from completing a clean lap.
Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton's remarks offer a glimpse into Mercedes' early performance and confidence ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. As one of the most anticipated races, understanding how top drivers like Hamilton perceive their car's balance and track conditions is crucial for predicting the competitive landscape for qualifying and the race.
The details:
- Hamilton's Performance: Hamilton described his car as feeling "pretty decent" in both FP1 and FP2. He specifically highlighted strong performance in sector one but couldn't capitalize due on interruptions.
- Track Conditions: The Brit noted the track was "very, very slippery" due to low temperatures but observed that grip improved quickly. He hopes for dry conditions for qualifying.
- Setup Decisions: Hamilton indicated he is unlikely to make significant setup changes overnight, suggesting confidence in the current car configuration despite the challenges.
- Leclerc's Day: In contrast to Hamilton, his former teammate Charles Leclerc had a strong showing, topping FP1 and finishing third in FP2. However, Leclerc faced technical issues forcing him to park his car and was called before the stewards for a breach of Article 26.5 of the sporting regulations.
What's next:
As qualifying approaches, all eyes will be on how drivers adapt to the unique challenges of the Las Vegas street circuit. Hamilton's optimism, coupled with Mercedes' ability to find pace, could see them make significant strides. The stewards' decision regarding Leclerc's infringement will also be closely watched, as it could impact his starting position.