Rain threatens to shake up Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend
The weather forecast has become a major talking point ahead of the Las Vegas GP after serious flooding hit the area earlier this week. While Monday’s flood warning has been lifted, light rain could still impact parts of the race weekend.
Drivers are particularly concerned about the prospect of racing on a wet Las Vegas Street Circuit under the lights, with many voicing their concerns during Wednesday’s media sessions.
Lewis Hamilton didn’t mince words about the potential challenge: “It’s gonna be really hard if it’s wet. This is probably the slipperiest track that we go to in terms of the grip we have had in the last couple of years.”
“Getting the tires working here was very tough in these cool conditions. These tires have a very narrow working window and that would be even worse obviously when it’s on inters or extreme wets.”
Despite the concerns, Hamilton seems ready for whatever comes his way.
“I’m down for the challenge if we’re faced with it and I’m constantly learning about how to get this car into a bit of a happier spot in terms of driving – it doesn’t necessarily love the rain.”
Hamilton knows a thing or two about this track, having recovered from P10 on the grid to finish second in last year’s race.
Fernando Alonso was even more blunt in his assessment: “Not fun. Not fun at all. It’s fast. Visibility is going to be a challenge under the lights and also the grip level is very low already on dry tyres – temperature is low.”
“So it could be fun to watch, but not to drive.”
Last year’s winner George Russell shared similar concerns.
“Out of all of the races, I would choose for this one not to be wet but, nevertheless, I still feel good.”
Russell highlighted the specific challenges drivers will face: “I think it’s going to be very cold, the tyres will be difficult to switch on. Street track, white lines, a bit bumpy in sections. So it’ll catch people out, and you’ve just got to make sure you’re not one of them.”
World champion Max Verstappen, who won the first race at the new Las Vegas layout in 2023, isn’t looking forward to potential rain either.
“If it rains, the tarmac is wet so it’s a bit slippery. I’m not looking forward to that potentially,” he said.
“I prefer to just have a dry race. It’s already hard enough to get everything working here – or understanding at least something.”
The Dutchman even suggested there could be an upside to weather disruption: “I prefer a bit more straightforward but if the track floods, maybe less practice is also not a bad thing.”
Updated weather forecast
After a cloudy morning, light rain is expected later on Thursday which might bring one light shower during the second practice session.
There’s a moderate to high chance of rain overnight, with Friday morning looking mostly cloudy with possible showers until mid-afternoon. Rain chances decrease throughout the day, though clouds will likely increase again as qualifying approaches at 8:00 PM local time.
Saturday looks to be the best day weather-wise. Race day should be mainly sunny, with dry conditions expected for the 8:00 PM start.
Will the weather shake up the competitive order in Vegas? The forecast adds another layer of unpredictability to what’s already one of F1’s most challenging venues.
