P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Mercedes driver finished ninth fastest in the only real practice session in Las Vegas on Friday – but was content with how the W14 felt beneath him.
Lewis Hamilton described the Las Vegas Grand Prix track as “massively challenging” due to its unique demands on the cars. The high-speed street track requires low downforce, making it difficult to generate enough tire temperature through heavy-braking zones and the heart of the lap, especially with low air temperatures. The first practice session was abandoned after a drain strike by Carlos Sainz, causing a delay of two and a half hours. The session was held without fans, who were ejected because stewards’ shifts ended before it started. Hamilton finished ninth in FP1, 1.4 seconds behind Charles Leclerc, but showed improvement by finishing 0.6 seconds behind Carlos Sainz in P2. The track exposes Mercedes’ weakness in straight-line speed, but Hamilton still enjoyed the session and felt great despite jet lag. He emphasized the importance of qualifying and position on this challenging track with limited overtaking opportunities.
