Lewis Hamilton Content with Ferrari Setup After Promising Las Vegas Practice

Lewis Hamilton has expressed satisfaction with his Ferrari car's setup after a disrupted but promising first day of practice in Las Vegas, instructing his team against any changes ahead of qualifying. Despite red flags impacting his soft tire runs, Hamilton feels confident in the car's performance.

Why it matters:

This Grand Prix marks a full season since Hamilton's last podium finish, making a strong showing in Las Vegas crucial for the Scuderia. His positive feedback on the car's setup suggests a potential breakthrough, especially given Ferrari's ongoing quest to challenge the frontrunners. A confident Hamilton is a competitive Hamilton, and his satisfaction with the car could signal a return to form for both driver and team.

The details:

• Hamilton finished 11th in FP1 and 10th in FP2, though both sessions were heavily affected by red flags.
• Two late red flags in FP2 prevented many drivers, including Hamilton, from completing their crucial soft tire runs, making direct comparisons difficult.
• Despite the disruptions, Hamilton reported feeling "pretty decent" and strong in Sector 1 during both practice sessions.
• He noted significant track evolution, with the circuit ramping up quickly despite the "very, very cold" conditions.
• Hamilton's direct instruction to his Ferrari team: "We probably won't make any changes because I am happy with the car."
• Key rivals like Max Verstappen placed 9th in FP2, while Oscar Piastri was 14th.

Looking Ahead:

Hamilton's optimism provides a much-needed boost for Ferrari heading into qualifying. If the track conditions remain consistent and Hamilton can translate his confidence into clean, uninterrupted laps, he could be a strong contender for a top-three finish, finally breaking his podium drought. The focus will now be on how Ferrari can leverage this positive start to secure a strong grid position for Sunday's race in the unpredictable Las Vegas street circuit.