The Nevada circuit isn’t a simple one to know. Whereas qualifying introduced some surprises, Ferrari could be glad with their efficiency: the staff heads into the Las Vegas GP as the favourite, however graining and exhausting tires might create chaos and sudden conditions.
Because the solar units over Las Vegas in November, the temperatures drop drastically. Throughout the Nevada night time, the automobiles will battle for the penultimate trophy of the season, going through chilly and unpredictable tires. Getting the tires into the suitable working window is a problem for everybody, even in qualifying. Getting ready for a flying lap is much more delicate than standard, 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 staff. 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 at first of the race.
Q3 was optimistic, however Ferrari’s energy isn’t in qualifying. Over the weekend, Ferrari proved to be a powerful contender in race tempo, as proven by their free follow simulations. The Scuderia is favored to win on the Strip, however the race holds a selected unknown issue that might pose a problem.
Arduous Tires, the Large 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 exhausting tire.
Ferrari favored, however Oscar Piastri and George Russell Warn: “Watch out for the Arduous Tires”
The pit cease methods in Nevada don’t outline a transparent “most popular” tactical plan. One or two stops could possibly be an choice, and the selection could change. Many variables are at play, however the exhausting tire would be the foremost problem, together with graining. “It will likely be a priority not just for us, it will likely be a difficult issue for everybody,” defined Oscar Piastri. The Australian highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the exhausting tire, which has not but been examined in follow: “We expect many of the race will probably be on exhausting 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 feel it will likely be an analogous state of affairs for each of us. 75% of the race will probably be on exhausting tires, however virtually nobody has tried them. With the medium tires, it will likely be a problem. It will likely be an extended 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 follow, Ferrari appeared essentially the most energetic, particularly with Leclerc, who was thought of “essentially the most aggressive on lengthy runs” by Toto Wolff, however nothing is set but. The Las Vegas GP appears to be like set to be removed from a monotonous, calm race to handle.