Ferrari drivers encouraged by race pace in Las Vegas but have ‘homework to do’ for qualifying

Sat Nov 23 06:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Ferrari Eye Race Pace Despite Qualifying Concerns in Las Vegas GP Practice

**Las Vegas, NV** – Mercedes dominated Friday’s practice sessions for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton leading both FP1 and FP2. However, Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc remain optimistic about their race pace despite acknowledging a need for improvement in qualifying performance.

While Hamilton topped the timesheets, Sainz and Leclerc finished fourth and fifth respectively in FP2. Both Ferrari drivers admitted Mercedes appeared strong, with McLaren also showing competitive pace. Sainz noted that Ferrari’s long-run pace is promising, but the team needs to find more single-lap speed to challenge for pole position, something they achieved last year. Leclerc echoed this sentiment, stating that finding the right balance between race and qualifying pace is crucial.

George Russell led the final practice session (FP3), ahead of Oscar Piastri and Sainz. This suggests a tight competition at the front of the grid. Meanwhile, several driver announcements accompanied the practice sessions, including Alba Hurup Larsen joining the Tommy Hilfiger-backed F1 Academy and Courtney Crone signing with Haas for their F1 Academy campaign.

The focus now shifts to qualifying as teams work to optimize their cars for both single-lap speed and race performance. The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises an exciting battle for the top spots.