The Nevada circuit shouldn’t be a simple one to know. Whereas qualifying introduced some surprises, Ferrari will be glad with their efficiency: the crew heads into the Las Vegas GP as the favourite, however graining and onerous tires might create chaos and sudden conditions.
Because the solar units over Las Vegas in November, the temperatures drop drastically. Through the Nevada night time, the vehicles will battle for the penultimate trophy of the season, dealing with chilly and unpredictable tires. Getting the tires into the fitting working window is a problem for everybody, even in qualifying. Making ready for a flying lap is much more delicate than normal, particularly for an SF-24, which doesn’t excel on this specific space.
Regardless of the long-standing difficulties Ferrari faces in qualifying, the chilly situations in Las Vegas don’t dampen the spirits of the crew. Carlos Sainz missed pole by a whisker, whereas Charles Leclerc narrowly missed third place. Each Ferrari drivers will begin from second and fourth positions, placing them better off over their McLaren rivals in the beginning of the race.
Q3 was optimistic, however Ferrari’s power shouldn’t be in qualifying. Over the weekend, Ferrari proved to be a powerful contender in race tempo, as proven by their free observe simulations. The Scuderia is favored to win on the Strip, however the race holds a selected unknown issue that might pose a problem.
Laborious Tires, the Massive Unknown of the Las Vegas GP
It’s not simply the poorly “rubbered” road circuit, the proximity to the partitions, and the chilly temperatures that fear the groups. After qualifying, the drivers agree: a vital issue for Saturday night time in Las Vegas would be the onerous tire.
Ferrari favored, however Oscar Piastri and George Russell Warn: “Watch out for the Laborious Tires”
The pit cease methods in Nevada don’t outline a transparent “most well-liked” tactical plan. One or two stops might be an possibility, and the selection could change. Many variables are at play, however the onerous tire would be the primary problem, together with graining. “It is going to be a priority not just for us, will probably be a difficult issue for everybody,” defined Oscar Piastri. The Australian highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the onerous tire, which has not but been examined in observe: “We predict many of the race will probably be on onerous tires, which nobody has used but.”
McLaren’s George Russell agrees, echoing Piastri’s sentiment: “Will we be stronger or weaker than Ferrari on race tempo? I believe will probably be the same state of affairs for each of us. 75% of the race will probably be on onerous tires, however virtually nobody has tried them. With the medium tires, will probably be a problem. It is going to be a protracted race.”
“We’ll begin with the medium tires, then we’ll see what occurs,” added Mercedes’ #63, confirming the final uncertainty. Some count on a fight-filled race, by no means simple, with sudden efficiency drops and variable, delicate tire administration. In free observe, Ferrari appeared probably the most energetic, particularly with Leclerc, who was thought of “probably the most aggressive on lengthy runs” by Toto Wolff, however nothing is determined but. The Las Vegas GP seems to be set to be removed from a monotonous, calm race to handle.