Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two from George Russell in first practice as Formula 1 returned to The Strip at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Silver Arrows took advantage of fitting the softest – and fastest – tyre compound in the closing stages of the session on a rapidly improving surface under the city’s stunning lights to finish well clear of the rest of the field.
Hamilton’s time of 1:35.001s put him almost 0.4s clear of Russell, while McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were marginally either side of a second back from the seven-time world champion in third and fourth, respectively.
Max Verstappen, who can seal his fourth successive drivers’ title in Sunday’s race, was also just over a second back from Hamilton in fifth.
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Sky Sports Ted Kravitz explains why the drivers are struggling to enter the pit lane at the Las Vegas GP.
Verstappen could win the world championship with two races to spare by simply finishing ahead of Norris on Sunday, while the Dutchman would also be crowned if he avoided losing three points or more to the McLaren driver.
Carlos Sainz was sixth for Ferrari, who many considered the favourites coming into the weekend due to both their strong performance on F1’s return to Las Vegas last year, and strong run of recent form.
Ferrari are attempting to close a 36-point deficit to Constructors’ Championship leaders McLaren, with Red Bull a further 13 points adrift.
Sky Sports F1’s live Las Vegas GP schedule
Friday November 22
5.45am: Las Vegas GP Practice Two
7.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday November 23
2.15am: Las Vegas GP Practice Three*
5am: Las Vegas GP Qualifying build-up*
6am: LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
8am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday November 24
4.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Las Vegas GP build-up*
6am: THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX*
8am: Chequered Flag: Las Vegas GP reaction*
9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 returns with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1 where Max Verstappen could seal the championship. Stream the final three F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
