F1: Leclerc Sets the Pace in Opening Free Practice at Las Vegas GP

Image: NEWSMoto EC X@NEWSMotoEC

By Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer  with Agencies

The 2025 Formula 1 season continues to heat up as Charles Leclerc dominated the first free practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. On Thursday night, the Ferrari driver set a blistering lap of 1:34.802 on the street circuit in Nevada, asserting himself as the early pace-setter for the weekend.

Alexander Albon finished just 0.166 seconds behind Leclerc in second place, showing strong form for Williams, while Yuki Tsunoda, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top five. The session demonstrated the intense competitiveness expected for this urban circuit, with gaps between drivers in the top 11 remaining within a single second.

The session began under cooler conditions, with air temperatures at 14°C and track temperatures reaching 19°C, creating slippery conditions that challenged drivers in the early stages. Carlos Sainz initially topped the timing sheets, followed quickly by Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar, before Leclerc asserted his authority. Max Verstappen also surged to the top during the middle of the session, briefly leading before Leclerc reclaimed first place in the closing minutes.

Lando Norris experienced a minor incident with the wall, placing him 17th at one point, though his teammate Oscar Piastri managed a solid eighth place. Mercedes displayed promising long-run performance, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posting consistent sector times, despite some deficits in straight-line speed compared to the top runners.

As the session progressed, teams focused on refining setups and tire management for the challenging street layout, with most drivers making final adjustments in the last 15 minutes. Leclerc ultimately solidified his dominance with the final flying lap, leaving Albon, Tsunoda, Verstappen, and Sainz within striking distance for the afternoon’s qualifying.

First Free Practice Results – Las Vegas GP 2025:

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:34.802

2. Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:34.968

3. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:35.071

4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:35.109

5. Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:35.179

6. Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:35.258

7. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:35.299

8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:35.450

9. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:35.534

10. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:35.538

11. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:35.561

12. Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Renault) – 1:35.589

13. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:35.709

14. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:35.746

15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:35.894

16. Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:35.990

17. Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:36.123

18. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:36.170

19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:36.398

20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Renault) – 1:36.758

Thursday’s session highlights that the battle for pole in Las Vegas is set to be fiercely contested, with Leclerc, Verstappen, Tsunoda, and Albon all showing strong pace. With the second free practice on Friday, teams will continue refining setups and strategies in preparation for what promises to be an electrifying weekend under the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip.