Lando Norris led Free Practice 2 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Mercedes' rookie Kimi Antonelli impressing in second. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took third, while Max Verstappen was ninth. The session, crucial for setting up for qualifying and the race, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas street circuit, hinting at a tight and exciting weekend ahead for the 2025 F1 season.
Second practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was cut short by a red flag due to a loose drain cover at Turn 17, disrupting crucial team preparations. This incident highlights concerns about track safety at the new circuit, impacting valuable data collection and potentially affecting the remainder of the high-profile inaugural race weekend.
The FIA has directly challenged recent claims that 2026 Formula 1 cars will perform at 'F2 pace', with single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis stating that simulations indicate only a one-to-two-second lap time reduction. This reassures fans and teams that despite new power units and aero rules, F1 will maintain its elite performance, quashing fears of a significant speed drop.
Charles Leclerc's Las Vegas Grand Prix took a turn for the worse after he was summoned by FIA stewards following FP2 for failing to properly secure his Ferrari SF-25 after a gearbox issue. This incident compounds a challenging session for Leclerc, who also experienced a major lock-up, adding pressure as he heads into qualifying and the race.
Drivers hit the track for FP2 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix under floodlights, mirroring race-day conditions. This vital session allows teams to conduct race and qualifying simulations, gathering critical data for car setup and tire management on the new street circuit. With temperatures set to be cool, understanding tire performance and track evolution will be key to early weekend pace and strategic planning.
Red Bull has firmly defended its decision to install a new power unit in Max Verstappen's car before the São Paulo Grand Prix, countering McLaren's suggestions that the move could impact Formula 1's financial regulations. McLaren questioned whether the engine change, made after Verstappen's Q1 elimination, should fall under Red Bull's cost cap. Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan stated their actions were
Jason Somerville, the FIA's head of aerodynamics and a key figure in drafting F1's 2026 regulations, has resigned and is reportedly heading to Alpine F1. His move, following a six-month gardening leave, could provide Alpine with a crucial competitive edge, particularly with his deep understanding of the new active aerodynamics rules, as the team shifts focus to its 2026 car.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1's team principal, has sold a stake in his ownership entity to CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz, valuing the team at a record-breaking $6 billion. Wolff retains his leadership roles, while Kurtz joins as a technology advisor, aiming to enhance the team's innovation strategy and expand its tech ecosystem globally. This deal highlights F1's booming financial appeal and Mercedes' focus on leveraging advanced technology for future success.
Charles Leclerc led the first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix with a 1m34.802s lap, as McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled significantly with the slippery and cold street circuit conditions. Both Norris and Piastri experienced multiple offs and issues with braking, while Williams' Alex Albon impressed with the second-fastest time, hinting at a challenging and unpredictable inaugural race weekend.
Charles Leclerc led Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix with a 1m34.802s lap. Williams' Alex Albon impressed in second, followed by Yuki Tsunoda. The session, featuring several young drivers, hints at a competitive weekend with top teams and mid-field contenders showing strong early pace on the unique street circuit.
Charles Leclerc led a mixed-up first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Alex Albon's Williams securing a surprising second place. Under cold, dusty conditions, Ferrari and Williams showed early strength, while usual front-runners like Mercedes and McLaren had a challenging start, highlighting the unique demands of the Vegas street circuit.
Charles Leclerc led the first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking advantage of McLaren's expected difficulties with low-grip conditions. The Ferrari driver's strong performance contrasted sharply with McLaren's Lando Norris, who struggled with wall contact and floor issues. Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda also impressed with strong lap times, suggesting an intriguing competitive landscape for the weekend on the evolving street circuit.
