F1 Drivers Slug It Out In Las Vegas Practice Session

 

As the season draws to a close with three races remaining, F1 drivers returned to the grid in cold and slippery surface conditions in Las Vegas. Despite the challenge, McLaren made the most of the Practice session with Lando Norris in pole while his teammate, Oscar Piastri, trailed in distant P14. 

Earlier in the session, Ferrari stood in pole with Leclerc, and Williams' Alex Albon followed in second.  The outcome was different in the second practice as Norris set the fastest lap, edging Kimi Antonelli by 0.029 seconds. The Mercedes driver was second. Leclerc suffered an engine failure, leading to the deployment of the red flag and his retirement from the session.

Should Norris extend his lead in the F1 standings over Max Verstappen in the final, McLaren stands to claim the F1 driver's Championship for the first time since 2008, when Lewis Hamilton won it for the team. However, he would have to win the race or finish on the podium, hoping that Red Bull loses out. 

As for Piastri, winning the race can restore his F1 title hope. However, he appeared not to be one in contention, as his performance in the practice session was unimpressive. Losing in Las Vegas would mean his F1 title race is over, leaving his teammate, Norris, in pole.

Las Vegas GP Practice Session Outcome

Lando Norris (McLaren) 

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)

Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

George Russell (Mercedes)

Alex Albon (Williams)

Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)