Lewis Hamilton led the way in a Mercedes 1-2 from George Russell in FP1 of F1 Las Vegas GP, with Lando Norris in third.
It was a slippery start for the field in FP1 of F1 Las Vegas GP under the lights on the streets of Las Vegas, as dust and cold conditions made it difficult for everyone in the first half of the session. The drivers took it slow and kept it out of the barriers.
It went like that for all of the session, apart from a few odd yellow flag moments when drivers were caught out at certain corners. The Red Bull pair went for an interesting strategy using the soft compound for both their runs unlike the others.
It was a Mercedes 1-2 in FP1 of F1 Las Vegas GP where Lewis Hamilton improved after the chequeured flag to end up on top with a 1m35.001s lap from teammate George Russell, as McLaren’s Lando Norris rounded out the Top 3.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc slotted in fourth from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was one of the drivers to have a moment. The other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz was sixth from Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in eighth.
The Top 10 was rounded out by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. There were some hairy moments for a few drivers where they almost touched the barriers, but evaded it. The final corner caught out some drivers finishing their fast lap.
Having looked good early in the session, Haas’ Kevin Magnussen only managed 11th from Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, who also improved late in the day. Williams’ Alexander Albon was 13th from Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg.
Kick Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas in an upgraded car was 16th from Williams’ Franco Colapinto, who set his best time on the medium tyre. Kick Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu was 18th from Visa Cash App RB’s Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.
The PU list saw Bottas take up his fourth ES of the season, which will see a grid drop in Sunday’s race. Here: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2024%20Las%20Vegas%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20New%20PU%20elements%20for%20this%20Competition.pdf
Haas’ F1 Academy seat for 2025 (as per press release) –
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is delighted to announce that American racer Courtney Crone will represent MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in next season’s F1 Academy competing with ART Grand Prix. The 23-year-old, from Corona, California, is no stranger to F1 Academy, having previously joined the grid as the Wild Card entry for Round 2 in Miami. To secure her seat, she competed in a two-day official test at Circuit Zandvoort, the Netherlands.
After qualifying P16 for both races, Crone fully utilized her first experience in new machinery, finishing 14th in her first race while finishing just outside of the points in the second race on Sunday. Crone began karting at only three years old, and currently competes in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Championship. Her experience spans multiple disciplines, racing speedway motorcycles, dirt and pavement USAC Midget and Sprint Cars, LMP3 prototypes, and various junior Formula Cars.
The American’s most notable achievements include winning the 2023/2024 IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship and the 2021 Gorsline Company Scholarship. She is also a three-time winner of the Women’s Sports Foundation / Project Podium with Lyn St. James award (2016, 2017, 2018), and a three-time VMB Driver Development scholarship winner (2017, 2018, 2020).
“I’m delighted to welcome Courtney to the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team family,” stated Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “As F1 Academy approaches the crescendo of its first season racing on the Formula 1 calendar, it’s been astonishing to see the increased interest and popularity of the category – that’s testament to the hard work put in by Susie Wolff and the F1 Academy team to provide greater opportunities for female racers. Courtney is an ambitious and dedicated racer, something that when looking for an ambassador for our team was crucial. We’ll provide access, support, and opportunities to learn within a Formula 1 organization, and in turn, we look forward to seeing another F1 Academy recruit thrive on the world’s stage.”
“I’m incredibly honored to be joining the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for the 2025 F1 Academy season,” said Courtney Crone. “Representing America’s F1 team is a dream come true, and I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity. Ever since I competed with the F1 Academy at the Miami Grand Prix as a wild card entrant, it’s been a goal of mine to race full-time in the series. That experience gave me a taste of the challenge and devotion it will take to become a championship contender. Making the most of this incredible opportunity is my number one priority and together with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, I feel I have the best chance for success.”
The 2024 F1 Academy has four races to go; Qatar (November 29 – December 1) and Abu Dhabi (December 6-8). Current MoneyGram Haas F1 Team affiliated driver Chloe Chambers, competing with Campos Racing, sits fourth in the Drivers’ Championship with 103 points. MoneyGram Haas F1 Team would like to thank Chloe Chambers for her hard work this season, becoming the first driver sporting Haas colors to win in the series.
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