The Las Vegas GP qualifying saw Lando Norris clinch pole despite a mistake, while Lewis Hamilton suffered an unprecedented career low, qualifying 20th and last. Alpine was fined €5,000 for an administrative error, and Valtteri Bottas officiated a wedding. The stage is set for a dramatic race with a chaotic grid.
Lewis Hamilton started last at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after mistakenly aborting his final Q1 lap due to a dashboard 'red light,' believing he missed the timing line. Both Jenson Button and Bernie Collins defended Ferrari, clarifying the distinction between the timing line and the red light gantry. Collins noted Ferrari's pit wall had urged Hamilton to 'keep pushing,' but the driver's snap decision led to a career-first P20 start on pure pace.
Liam Lawson attributed Racing Bulls' strong P6 qualifying result at the Las Vegas Grand Prix to a "rare extreme" wet weather test, which allowed them to excel in the challenging, rain-soaked conditions. The team capitalized on strategic tire choices and Lawson's precise driving, securing an unexpected top-tier grid position despite limited dry-weather pace. The outcome highlights the team's adaptability and potential for strong performances in unpredictable races, though race pace remains an unknown given disrupted practice sessions.
The FIA has warned two Formula 1 teams in Las Vegas for exceeding the permitted tire temperature limit during FP3, as reported by The Race. While no immediate penalties were given, the governing body made it clear that any similar infringement in official sessions could lead to disqualification, emphasizing the strict adherence required, especially in cold track conditions.
Lando Norris clinched pole position in a dramatic, rain-soaked Las Vegas qualifying session, extending his championship lead. Max Verstappen starts alongside him, while a struggling Lewis Hamilton will begin the race from the very back of the grid. The challenging wet conditions made for a highly unpredictable session, setting the stage for a thrilling Grand Prix with significant championship implications for Norris and Verstappen.
Max Verstappen is downplaying his victory chances at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite qualifying second. His title defense hangs by a thread, as Lando Norris needs to outscore him by nine points or more to clinch the championship this weekend. Verstappen expressed concerns about Red Bull's dry pace, making the race a high-stakes battle for his F1 crown.
Lewis Hamilton's Q1 exit at the Las Vegas GP was shrouded in confusion, as he believed red lights signaled the session's end, prompting him to abort a crucial final lap. However, Sky F1's Anthony Davidson presented evidence suggesting the green light was still active, implying a misjudgment of the timing line. This incident leaves Hamilton starting last, significantly impacting Mercedes' Constructors' Championship battle against Ferrari.
The FIA has firmly rejected fears that F1 cars will perform at 'F2 levels' under the new 2026 regulations. Single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis clarified that while cars might be 1-2 seconds slower initially, this is a natural part of a new rule cycle, not a drastic performance drop. Teams and drivers are adjusting to new hybrid power units and active aerodynamics, with ongoing simulator refinements and real-world testing in January set to provide clearer insights.
Carlos Sainz felt his lap was good enough for pole position during the challenging wet Las Vegas GP qualifying, ultimately securing P3. He briefly held provisional pole, believing he had delivered a 'pole-worthy lap' before being edged out by Verstappen and Norris. Despite a stewards' inquiry, Sainz will start P3, giving Williams a strong chance for points after a strong showing in the wet conditions.
Championship leader Lando Norris has shrugged off persistent booing from Formula 1 fans, viewing it as a sign of his success as he battles teammate Oscar Piastri for the title. Despite taking the championship lead and dominating recent races, Norris has faced jeers, which some attribute to perceptions of McLaren's favoritism. He remains unfazed, focusing on his performance amidst the tight championship race with three weekends left.
Red Bull has issued an apology to Yuki Tsunoda after a significant tire pressure error in Las Vegas qualifying led to a disappointing 19th-place finish. Team boss Laurent Mekies took full responsibility for the mistake, which severely hampered Tsunoda's performance amidst a season where the Japanese driver is fighting for his F1 future. The incident underscores the critical importance of operational precision in a highly competitive sport.
Lewis Hamilton will start the Las Vegas Grand Prix from the back of the grid after a Q1 elimination clouded by radio confusion. Despite having made the timing line for another lap, Hamilton lifted off after seeing a red light on his dash, leading to a crucial misjudgment. This incident, analyzed by Sky F1, highlights the challenges of real-time decision-making and communication in Formula 1's high-pressure environment.
