Lewis Hamilton expressed delight over his performance in the first two practice sessions of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, describing it as “the first day like this” in the 2024 season. The seven-time F1 champion dominated FP1 with a Mercedes 1-2 finish, outpacing teammate George Russell by nearly four-tenths. He then maintained his momentum in FP2, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris to top the timesheets once again.
Positive Practice Amid Recent Struggles
Hamilton’s strong practice showing marked a departure from recent struggles, as Mercedes has often lagged behind its main rivals since the summer break. His encouraging pace added to his optimism following a challenging race weekend in Brazil.
Reflecting on the sessions, Hamilton said:
“It was pretty good. This is the first time this year I’ve had a day like that. The car felt really strong in FP1, though less so in FP2, so there’s work to do tonight. It’s tough to pinpoint exactly why we’re in this position, but I enjoyed driving the track. We’ll see if the car remains as strong tomorrow.”
Focus on Race Pace Improvement
Despite the promising single-lap speed of the W15, Hamilton cautioned that Mercedes must focus on improving their race pace without sacrificing qualifying performance. He noted:
“Hot conditions were slightly worse for us, but the race pace wasn’t terrible. We need to figure out how to improve it without losing our one-lap speed. But, as I said, it’s great to be able to string together laps without the car holding me back. That’s a nice feeling.”
Confidence and Consistency
Hamilton emphasized his confidence in his abilities and dismissed any notion that he had lost his edge, despite recent challenges. He maintained that his driving style was not the issue, adding:
“I think we’re in the mix. I feel good about where I am. Coming into this weekend, I knew it wasn’t down to my driving. I just need to work hard overnight, avoid making big changes, get a good rest, and come back strong tomorrow.”
Hamilton’s performance in practice has fueled optimism for Mercedes, as the team aims to close the season on a high note. With a blend of confidence and determination, he looks poised to challenge for top honours in Las Vegas.
