LAS VEGAS — Mercedes may be out of the running for a driver or constructors’ championship in Formula 1 this year, however, the team made its presence felt in a big way this weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix that may be a positive sign for next season.
The team’s speed was apparent from the start of Thursday practice where seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton paced both sessions at the temporary 17-turn street circuit with teammate George Russell close behind as well.
Russell went on to scorch the field in qualifying to snag the pole position.
Race day was a similar story as Russell dominated the event from start to finish en route to his second win of the season.
Hamilton, who struggled in qualifying and started 10th, charged gracefully through the field to climb to second by race’s end.
“To win in Las Vegas feels incredible,” Russell began. “I’m so thankful for the team and happy for them that we got this win. We had great pace throughout and we were comfortable in the lead.
“You are always thinking that something might happen though, such as a safety car, but it was clean throughout. It was almost a perfect weekend as we took pole position, led almost every lap and took the 1-2. It was great to be up on the podium with Lewis; he drove a fantastic race to come through from P10.
“We couldn’t ask for more.”
Both Mercedes drivers gained valuable points as Russell is sixth in the driver standings with Hamilton in seventh.
A lockout of the top two spots allowed for Mercedes to pad its lead in the constructor standings to 425 points.
While the team is likely set to finish fourth in the team points due to Oracle Red Bull Racing (555) not within striking distance over the final two races, an eye on finishing strong is the team’s top priority.
“We will enjoy this night as a team as everyone deserves it,” Russell said. “We will then sit down on Monday and go through the data to understand why we were so quick this weekend.
“Hopefully that can help us as we go into the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”