Lewis Hamilton dominates the session, confirming the good moment of Mercedes already shown in FP1, while Lando Norris and George Russell chase. Ferrari proves competitive with Sainz and Leclerc in the top 5.
The night continued in the city where everything is possible, while in Italy dawn marked 7:00 in the morning for the beginning of the FP2 of the Las Vegas GPThe famous Strip witnessed a continuation of FP1, with grip problems still the protagonists. The two Mercedes confirmed their advantage seen in the first session, with Lewis Hamilton in command, just 11 thousandths ahead of the Lando Norris' McLaren, second, and with George Russell, third.
At the start of these tests, Ferrari immediately appeared in the top 3, demonstrating competitiveness and relaunching its ambitions in the Constructors' Championship. The Maranello team, not intimidated by the new technical regulation imposed by the FIA, aims to fill the 36 points that separate it from McLaren.
The low track temperatures continue to affect the tyres, making it difficult to get the front tyres up to temperature, particularly on the main straight. Despite these difficulties, the times recorded were quicker than last season, demonstrating a positive evolution of the track. According to Pirelli, after these first tests, a two-stop strategy could prove to be a winning one to best manage the graining.
With 22 minutes to go, the Williams by Alexander Albon stopped on track due to a fuel system problem, causing a red flag. The Grove team was forced to work hard to restore both cars, already damaged after the accidents in Brazil.
Max in trouble against a McLaren in form
The session resumed with race pace simulations, and Lando Norris recorded excellent times, leaving Max Verstappen 7 tenths of a second behind in the first laps. The Dutchman could seal the Drivers' Championship this weekend, but a possible victory by Norris could postpone the celebrations, depending on other scenarios.
Red Bull showed signs of concern during FP2 of the Las Vegas GP: not only Sergio Pérez finished in the last positions, but Verstappen also struggled to bring the car to the top. With only one FP3 session left before qualifying, the Austrian team will have to look for quick solutions to recover ground.
What is surprising instead are the Mercedes, still solid in the top 3, and the two Haas, who remain in the top 10 confirming the good trend of the last races. Excellent performance also for Pierre Gasly, who brought his Alpine to sixth position. Ferrari, although not shining, managed to keep both drivers in the top 5, demonstrating solidity and laying good foundations for the rest of the weekend.
The top 10 at the end of FP2 of the Las Vegas GP:
- Lewis Hamilton
- Lando Norris
- George Russell
- Carlos Sainz
- Charles Leclerc
- Pierre Gasly
- Kevin Magnussen
- Oscar piastri
- Nico Hulkenberg
- Yuki tsunoda
