Pierre Gasly Hopes for Wet Las Vegas GP as Rivals Express Concerns
Pierre Gasly is hoping for a rainy Las Vegas Grand Prix, believing wet conditions will cause rivals to make mistakes, giving him a better chance at points. However, many drivers, including Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso, express significant concern over the challenges of a low-grip street circuit in the rain, citing potential visibility issues and increased difficulty.
Pierre Gasly is openly rooting for a rainy Las Vegas Grand Prix, believing it will increase the chances for rivals to "mess it up," potentially giving him an edge in securing valuable points. While Gasly embraces the challenge, many of his competitors are wary of the treacherous conditions a wet, low-grip street circuit under floodlights could present.
Why it matters:
Rain could be a game-changer for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, a high-speed street circuit already expected to have low grip. For drivers like Pierre Gasly, who has struggled for consistent points this season, a chaotic wet race offers a rare opportunity to upset the pecking order and potentially secure a strong finish. Conversely, it poses a significant challenge for championship contenders and teams aiming for a clean race.
The Details:
- Gasly's Optimism: Pierre Gasly explicitly stated his preference for rain, believing it creates more opportunities for other drivers to make mistakes, which could benefit him. He feels some cars are currently 'out of reach' in dry conditions.
- Rain Forecast: Rain is predicted for the first two evenings of the Las Vegas weekend, though the likelihood significantly decreases for Saturday's Grand Prix itself.
- Circuit Challenges: The 6.201km street circuit features 17 corners and is expected to have inherently low grip. Rain would exacerbate these conditions, making it extremely difficult for drivers, particularly under the bright lights of a night race.
- Rivals' Concerns: Most drivers do not share Gasly's enthusiasm.
- Lando Norris described the prospect of rain on the track as "incredibly difficult" and "pretty nasty," highlighting the lack of room for error on a high-speed street circuit with white lines and painted surfaces.
- Fernando Alonso echoed these sentiments, stating it would be "not fun at all" due to visibility issues under lights and the already low grip levels and temperatures, making it 'fun to watch, but not to drive.'
Looking Ahead:
While a dry Grand Prix is currently forecast, any rain during practice or qualifying sessions could dramatically alter the competitive landscape and provide a thrilling, unpredictable spectacle for fans. Gasly's 'mess it up' strategy, if realized, could lead to one of the most memorable races of the season, forcing teams and drivers to adapt rapidly to extreme conditions.