LAS VEGAS — Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes paced both practice sessions Thursday night as preparations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix got under way in Sin City.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion turned a best lap of one minute and 33.825 seconds during the closing practice session.
Hamilton was encouraged by his car’s performance heading into the third U.S. race of the season.
“I felt really good out there today. I think that is the first practice day this year that we’ve been consistently strong, and the car has felt quick throughout,” Hamilton said. “I am really enjoying driving this track and it was nice to put together three good, competitive sectors over the lap.
“Despite topping both sessions, it is 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,” he continued. “We therefore have work to do overnight to try and improve that without compromising our speed for qualifying. I’m hopeful we can still be in the mix tomorrow; I will get some good rest tonight and come back strong.”
Lando Norris was second on the speed charts, a mere .011 seconds behind Hamilton in his McLaren. Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate, George Russell, rounded out the top three.
Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were next on the board, placing fourth and fifth respectively.
The Haas F1 cars were both in the top 10, with Kevin Magnussen seventh and Nico Hulkenberg ninth.