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Mercedes Dominates Vegas Practice as Hamilton and Russell Show Serious Pace Under the Lights -Hamilton: “I felt really good out there”

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Mercedes Dominates Vegas Practice as Hamilton and Russell Show Serious Pace Under the Lights -Hamilton: “I felt really good out there”

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - November 21, 2024 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

In a dazzling display of form under the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, Mercedes roared back into contention during Thursday night’s practice sessions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton topped both FP1 and FP2, with teammate George Russell hot on his heels, while McLaren’s Lando Norris managed to wedge himself into second place in FP2. The Silver Arrows’ strong showing indicates their W15 thrives in the cold desert conditions and on short-run pace.


Hamilton Revels in Vegas Form: “First Practice Day This Year We’ve Been Consistently Strong”

For a team navigating a season of struggles, Hamilton’s beaming post-session comments told the story of renewed confidence. The seven-time champion, just weeks away from his Mercedes swansong, appeared reinvigorated as he dominated the timesheets.

“I felt really good out there today,” Hamilton said. “I think this is the first practice day this year that we’ve been consistently strong, and the car has felt quick throughout. It was nice to put together three good, competitive sectors over the lap.”

Despite his joy, Hamilton tempered expectations. “It’s difficult to know exactly where we are in the competitive order with everyone running different fuel loads and run plans. Our long-run pace didn’t look quite as good as our speed on the single lap. We have work to do overnight, but I’m hopeful we can stay in the mix.”


Russell Echoes Hamilton’s Optimism: “The Car Has Been Working From the Off”

Russell, who finished FP2 in third, praised the team’s efforts while cautioning that the evolving track conditions could shuffle the pack.

“That was a really good day for us as a team,” Russell said. “The car has been working from the off, and I felt good behind the wheel. Lewis was on it from lap one and did a great job to top both sessions.”

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the circuit, he added, “As it cleans up and grips up, times will likely be three seconds or so quicker come qualifying. We’ll need to stay sharp and keep improving to challenge at the front again on Friday.”


Trackside Engineering: Mercedes Finds Grip in the Chill

Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin hailed the team’s strong start and credited their ability to adapt to the unique conditions. “It’s tricky with the very cold temperatures to get the tires into the window, but it looks like we were coping reasonably well,” Shovlin noted.

While the low-fuel runs were a standout, Shovlin flagged long-run degradation as a concern. “We saw a lot of degradation across the field. Cars that pushed harder early on looked poor later in the stint, so a bit of management will be required for Saturday night.”


Championship Reality: Mercedes Fights for Pride

With the constructors’ title long out of reach, Mercedes remains solidly fourth in the standings, trailing Red Bull by 162 points but comfortably ahead of Aston Martin. Similarly, Hamilton and Russell find themselves in a personal battle for sixth in the drivers’ standings, separated by just two points.


Vegas Momentum a Springboard for a Strong Finish

The Silver Arrows’ standout performance under the Vegas lights serves as a tantalizing reminder of their capabilities. For Hamilton, who is heading to Ferrari next season, and Russell, eager to establish himself as Mercedes’ leader, this weekend offers an opportunity to make a statement. While a title may be out of reach, reclaiming glory in Las Vegas could be the perfect high-stakes finale for a team determined to leave its mark.

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