Charles Leclerc’s form in the much-delayed second practice session ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix shows that Ferrari has the pace to fight for top positions on the Strip.
Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari
FP2 was extended to allow for 90 minutes of running after the opening practice was red flagged and subsequently called off just nine minutes into the session.
Leclerc, who had already gone fastest in the aborted FP1, comfortably topped the second session as well, 0.517s clear of teammate Carlos Sainz who made it a Ferrari 1-2.
Speaking to the media after the session, the Monégasque admitted he’s feeling optimistic about Ferrari’s chances of going for pole on Friday.
“It looks good for now. I like the track, it’s fun to drive. I always liked street tracks but this one is a good one.”
“We look quite strong for now.”
“It’s difficult to understand exactly where we are in race pace, but in terms of quali pace we seem strong. We still have to work and try to do a step forward for tomorrow, but it’s a good start.”
With temperatures plummeting after sundown in Vegas, there were concerns about the tyre warm-up and performance prior to the weekend, but Leclerc revealed that he didn’t struggle too much with this over the course of the session.
“The first two laps were very poor. But then, very quickly, once the dust was out, it was reasonable grip. So it was all good.”
Asked whether he has a chance of beating the Red Bulls in the race, Leclerc said, “I don’t know. I think in qualifying as always we’ll be there, but in race pace I think they’re still too strong.
“Max has done a really good race sim, so as always, for sure they will be strong, but in qualifying tomorrow we’ll be close.”
