Las Vegas Grand Prix FP1 2025: Charles Leclerc Leads as McLaren Duo Norris and Piastri Struggle on Dusty Strip Circuit
The glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip provided a stunning backdrop for the opening practice session of the 2025 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 20, where Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc set the pace with a 1:34.802, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda. Championship leader Lando Norris (McLaren) finished sixth, with teammate Oscar Piastri eighth, as the title-chasing pair grappled with a dusty, low-grip track in the session’s early stages. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) slotted fourth, while Mercedes showed promise with George Russell ninth and rookie Kimi Antonelli tenth. On a brand-new street circuit still “greening” with minimal rubber laid down, FP1 highlighted adaptation challenges, with Leclerc’s composure signaling Ferrari’s strong weekend potential amid McLaren’s unexpected early woes.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:34.802 | – | 26 |
| 2 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:34.968 | +0.166 | 24 |
| 3 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | 1:35.071 | +0.269 | 25 |
| 4 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:35.109 | +0.307 | 23 |
| 5 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:35.179 | +0.377 | 25 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:35.258 | +0.456 | 22 |
| 7 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 1:35.299 | +0.497 | 26 |
| 8 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:35.450 | +0.648 | 24 |
| 9 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:35.534 | +0.732 | 25 |
| 10 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:35.538 | +0.736 | 26 |
Leclerc’s lap—set late on softs—underlined Ferrari’s low-temperature prowess, while McLaren’s off-track excursions (Norris Turn 9 wall brush, Piastri Turns 8-9 run-off) exposed setup teething issues.
Leclerc Lights Up Vegas: Ferrari’s Strong Start on Iconic Strip
Charles Leclerc wasted no time adapting to the 6.201km Las Vegas Strip Circuit, topping FP1 with a 1:34.802 on soft tires. The Monegasque—2024 race winner from pole—thrived in cool conditions (track 22°C, air 18°C), praising Ferrari’s balance: “Felt good immediately—car hooked up.”
Albon’s P2 (0.166s back) continued Williams’ surprise form; Sainz P5 backed him. Tsunoda outpaced Verstappen (P3 vs P4)—first time beating the Dutchman in practice 2025.
Leclerc: “Track dusty early—grip evolved fast. Positive start; more to come FP2.”
FP1 quirks: Low grip caused spins (Alonso, Colapinto); Norris wall tap (minor damage); Piastri run-off.
McLaren Struggles: Norris and Piastri Off-Pace Amid Title Pressure
Championship leader Lando Norris (365 points) and Oscar Piastri (341) expected challenges on the low-downforce layout, but FP1 exposed vulnerabilities. Norris: Two Turn 12 escapes, wall brush Turn 9—P6, 0.456s off. Piastri: Turns 8-9 off—P8, 0.192s behind teammate.
Norris: “Tricky—dusty, green. Balance not there yet; long run data positive.”
Piastri: “Setup work needed—evolving track suits us later.”
McLaren’s 2025 dominance (12 wins) faces stern test: Vegas historically tough (2024 best P6 Norris). Title gap: Norris 24pts clear Piastri, 49 over Verstappen (316pts).
Team principal: “FP1 unrepresentative—focus long runs.”
Surprises and Standouts: Williams Shine, Mercedes Steady
Williams: Albon P2, Sainz P5—strong low-drag package.
Red Bull: Tsunoda P3 (best 2025 practice vs Verstappen); Verstappen P4—setup tweaks post-Brazil engine change.
Mercedes: Russell P9, Antonelli P10—rookie 0.004s off veteran.
Racing Bulls: Hadjar P7—impressive debutant.
Haas: Bearman P16 (Ferrari junior); Ocon P17.
Sauber: Bortoleto P19—rookie struggles.
Alpine: Colapinto P20—multiple offs.
FP1 Context: Dusty Track, Evolving Grip—Unrepresentative Times
Las Vegas Street Circuit: Brand-new asphalt—extremely dusty FP1. Grip low early; rubber laid improved late (Leclerc’s soft run).
Temperatures: Cool (air 18°C dropping)—night race suit (FP2/Quali/Race under lights).
Teams: Data gathering, not chasing times. Long runs key—McLaren optimistic.
Leclerc’s benchmark: Sub-1:35 first session—quick evolution expected.
FP2 (November 21, 04:00 GMT): Night conditions—true pace reveals.
Weekend Outlook: Title Fight Intensifies Under Vegas Lights
Three races left: Las Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi. Norris: Win title if outscores Piastri/Verstappen sufficiently.
McLaren: Constructors’ sealed Mexico—focus drivers’.
Ferrari: Leclerc/Hamilton (P11) chase podiums.
Mercedes: Antonelli debut strong.
Schedule (GMT):
- FP2: November 21, 04:00
- FP3: November 22, 04:30
- Qualifying: November 22, 08:00
- Race: November 23, 06:00 (50 laps)
Vegas quirks: 17 turns, 1.9km straight (230mph+), Sphere backdrop.
Leclerc: “Love this track—night magic.”
Norris: “Title pressure? Focus session by session.”
Vegas 2025: Unpredictable opener—title twists ahead.
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