Seven Key Learnings from Day One of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Media day at the Las Vegas Grand Prix revealed critical insights ahead of an unpredictable race. Drivers delicately handled management criticism, a teammate clash led to an immediate apology, and driver futures hung in the balance. Calls for clearer racing guidelines emerged, while potential wet weather added to driver anxieties for the low-grip street circuit, and an unexpected driver feud spiced things up. Early season technical issues also hampered a promising rookie's progress.
The media day at the Las Vegas Grand Prix offered significant insights ahead of what promises to be one of the most unpredictable races of the 2025 F1 season's triple-header finale. From driver responses to team management to on-track incidents, several narratives are already shaping up.
Why it matters:
F1's return to Las Vegas is a high-stakes event, not just for the spectacle but for the championship implications and ongoing team dynamics. The early takeaways from media day reveal underlying tensions, strategic plays, and critical driver mindsets that could heavily influence the race weekend and beyond, particularly as the season draws to a close with driver futures and team guidelines under scrutiny.
The Details:
- Ferrari Drivers Handle Elkann's 'Hospital Pass': Ferrari chairman John Elkann's post-Brazilian GP comments, suggesting drivers "focus on driving and talk less," were met with diplomatic responses. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc downplayed the criticism, with Hamilton emphasizing team responsibility and Leclerc strangely calling Elkann's message "a positive one." This defused a potentially contentious situation, though Leclerc's long-term commitment to Ferrari might be subtly influenced by such remarks.
- Hadjar Apologizes to Lawson: Isack Hadjar immediately apologized to his Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson for their "close moment" on the final lap of the Brazilian GP. Hadjar admitted to being "a bit aggressive" while battling for seventh and eighth, stating he should have been more patient. Lawson "respected" the apology, highlighting the importance of team-mate etiquette, especially with crucial constructor points at stake.
- Tsunoda's Future Uncertainty: Yuki Tsunoda is candid about his nervousness regarding Red Bull's 2026 driver lineup decision, which is expected before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He acknowledges this pressure is a familiar part of F1, focusing on controllable improvements to secure his spot, as his contract hinges on performance in the upcoming weeks.
- Drivers Demand Guidelines Fix: Carlos Sainz passionately called for an urgent review of F1's racing guidelines, criticizing the penalty given to Oscar Piastri for an incident with Kimi Antonelli in Brazil. Sainz, a Grand Prix Drivers' Association director, argued such penalties are "unacceptable" and do not align with the pinnacle of motorsport, emphasizing that "not one but multiple incidents" this year have been mishandled. Antonelli himself suggested it might have been a racing incident, indicating a wider need for clarification.
- Wet Vegas: A "Nasty" Prospect: Drivers anticipate a challenging, low-grip wet session if the forecasted Thursday evening downpour occurs during FP2. With cold temperatures and minimal downforce, Fernando Alonso predicted it would be "not fun," while Lando Norris expects conditions to get "pretty nasty" on the fast street circuit with little room for error. The good news is rain is not expected to persist into the weekend, ideally leaving Saturday's race dry.
- Unexpected Driver Dispute: Stroll vs. Colapinto: An unexpected feud has emerged between Lance Stroll and Franco Colapinto. Colapinto initially criticized Stroll's aggressive driving in Brazil, but later attempted to backtrack. Stroll, however, escalated the situation by taking multiple digs at Colapinto's lack of points this season, suggesting he's "frustrated and angry with life." This low-stakes dispute is notable given both drivers' recent struggles, and a potential on-track reunion could spice things up.
- Antonelli's Lost Progress: Kimi Antonelli, despite a strong performance in Interlagos, revealed he lost "two, three months of progress" earlier in the season due to struggles with Mercedes' rear suspension upgrade. He admitted to losing confidence and driving "super-tense" until the old suspension was reintroduced in August, highlighting how technical issues can significantly impede a rookie's momentum.
What's next:
The discussions and revelations from media day set the stage for a dramatic Las Vegas Grand Prix. How drivers navigate the unique, potentially wet conditions, the ongoing pressure on those fighting for their F1 futures, and the ripple effects of team management decisions will be closely watched. The outcome of the race and the subsequent Abu Dhabi finale will undoubtedly shape the narratives heading into the 2026 season, especially concerning driver contracts and technical developments.