Lewis Hamilton topped both practice sessions on Friday to make the perfect start at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as championship leader Max Verstappen struggled for pace.
Hamilton was quickest in a largely unrepresentative first practice but set the pace in the second session to underline Mercedes’ strong form in the cool Vegas conditions.
Lando Norris was only 0.011s behind Hamilton on a weekend he is looking to keep the title race alive as he trails Verstappen by 62 points with three events remaining.
Norris must outscore Verstappen by at least three points in Sunday’s race at 6am to stay in the championship and he will be buoyed by Red Bull’s lack of speed.
Verstappen did not complete a run on the soft tyres in second practice, so was down in 17th, but never looked like challenging the top positions.
Following his magnificent win in the rain last time out in Brazil, Red Bull are on the backfoot as they have been at most events in the second half of this season.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Las Vegas GP schedule
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
