The first practice session for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix saw a shakeup in the expected order, as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets with a lap of 1:34.802. In a surprising result, Williams Racing’s Alexander Albon secured the second-fastest time, demonstrating potential for an upset during this weekend’s race on the newly constructed 1.968-mile circuit. Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen was fourth, as teams focused on acclimatizing to track conditions and establishing baseline setups ahead of qualifying.
Promising Signs for the Prancing Horse: Leclerc Fastest, Albon’s Williams and Red Bulls Close Behind; Hamilton 11th. Norris Sixth, Struggling with Braking, Piastri Eighth, Ahead of Mercedes’ Russell and Antonelli
Charles Leclerc set the pace in the opening practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver topped the timesheets with a blistering lap of 1’34”802. Just 166 milliseconds behind, Alexander Albon put his Williams in a stunning second place. The Red Bull duo followed closely, with Yuki Tsunoda (+0.269) edging out reigning champion Max Verstappen (+0.307). Verstappen is looking to keep his championship hopes alive as McLaren struggled to find their rhythm.
Verstappen Sets Early Pace
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The track was initially slick, with drivers reporting a significant amount of sand on the racing line. Most teams opted for medium-compound tires, with Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg going against the grain. Alonso chose the soft compound, while Hulkenberg went with the hard tire. The early part of the session focused on building confidence with the new circuit and establishing a baseline rhythm. After the first 30 minutes, Verstappen led the way with a lap time of 1’35”776. Leclerc’s Ferrari was second, followed by Russell in the Mercedes. Tsunoda (Red Bull) was fourth, with Sainz (Williams) rounding out the top five, while Hamilton was sixth. McLaren’s early struggles continued, with Piastri seventh and championship leader Norris down in eleventh.
Leclerc’s Late Surge
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The second half of the session saw teams switch to soft tires, focusing on qualifying simulations. McLaren continued to grapple with issues, particularly under braking. Norris made two errors in the same corner – Turn 12 – while Piastri also appeared unsettled. Leclerc ultimately posted the fastest lap, followed by Albon, Tsunoda, and Verstappen. Sainz secured a strong fifth place, with Norris sixth. Hadjar and Piastri followed, while the Mercedes duo of Russell and rookie Antonelli completed the top ten. Hamilton finished eleventh, ahead of Gasly, Lawson, and the Aston Martin pair of Alonso and Stroll. Bearman and Ocon (Haas), Hulkenberg and Bortoleto (Sauber), and Colapinto (Alpine) rounded out the order.
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