After three sessions in which the drivers got to know the Las Vegas Strip circuit better, it is time for qualifying. It will take place in the late hours in Las Vegas, and in the early morning hours for Dutch viewers. If anyone would like to get up even earlier, prior to qualifying there will be an hour of training on the streets of the gambling city.
After the previous three Grands Prix all took place in the evenings for Dutch viewers, the alarm clocks have to be set again this time. Due to the time difference with Las Vegas, all sessions there are at night, but in our little country in the early morning. Anyone who wants to get everything from the third free training will have to be sitting in front of the TV at 5:30 am, fresh and fruity. After an hour of training, the drivers prepare for qualifying. The lights for Q1 will turn green at 9:00 am Dutch time, provided no loose manhole covers have terrorized the circuit during training.
Ferrari can deal the first blow of the weekend to Mercedes
Max Verstappen mainly excelled in the long runs during the second free practice. In his race simulations on the medium tire he was about five tenths faster than his red rivals, but in the qualifying simulations Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had the upper hand. Verstappen was about nine-tenths slower than Leclerc and was also four-tenths short of Sainz. However, there was no noticeable stress for the Dutchman, Red Bull Racing often sacrifices its Saturdays to get it done in the race. That does not alter the fact that Ferrari has a great chance of taking pole position in Las Vegas. The SF-23 always gets the tires going quickly, which is a huge advantage in cold qualifying.
Since the temperatures will be around twelve to thirteen degrees, this suits the team from Maranello well. It is then hoped that she will not suffer too much from wear and tear on Sunday. Mercedes is slower than Ferrari in both the race simulation and the qualifying simulation, which is beneficial for the Italian racing team, as the fight for P2 in the constructors’ championship is still ongoing. In addition, Sainz, who has a ten-place grid penalty after the battery, floor and engine of his car had to be replaced, must qualify as best as possible to do damage control. Who will take pole position in Las Vegas will be known around 10:00 am Dutch time.
Verstappen can take his eighteenth win of the season this weekend in Las Vegas. Also betting on F1? Via this link from JACKS you are eligible for 60 euros in free bets! If you play responsibly, you keep it fun. What does gambling cost you? Stop on time, 18+
