formula 1McLaren screws up final practice session in Vegas – Russell in front
Norris didn’t have a good final practice session in Las Vegas.
John Locher/AP/dpa
In the final practice session before qualifying in Las Vegas, Formula 1 drivers were on a wet track for the first time. This course is even more difficult. Things are not going well for the World Cup leader.
World Championship leader Lando Norris completed the final free practice session before qualifying for the Grand Prix in Las Vegas in last place. The Briton was the first to use dry soft tires on a track that was initially wet and uncompetitive. As the street circuit became drier, problems with the vehicle’s electronics prevented Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri from completing further fast laps. In the second training session the day before, Norris had recorded his best time.
George Russell driving a Mercedes recorded the best time in final practice with 1:34.054 minutes. Last year’s winner was 0.227 seconds quicker than Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. Third came Alex Albon in the Williams.
Norris entered the third to final race of the season with a 24-point lead over Piastri. Verstappen, who is third in the World Cup standings, is 49 points behind. Race qualifying is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (05.00 CET).
