Leclerc Sets the Pace in First Las Vegas Grand Prix Practice
Las Vegas, Nevada - November 21, 2025 – Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the opening practice session for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, signaling a strong start to the weekend for the Scuderia. The Monegasque driver lapped the 6.201km (3.854 miles) Las Vegas Street Circuit in a time of 1:35.052, establishing the benchmark early in the evening session.
This first practice session marks a pivotal moment as Formula 1 returns to las Vegas for the first time since 1981. the highly anticipated event is expected to draw significant global attention and inject significant economic impact into the city.The weekend’s outcome will heavily influence the drivers’ championship standings with only two races remaining in the 2025 season, and teams are eager to optimize their car setups for the unique challenges presented by the all-new street circuit. The practice session provides crucial data collection for teams to adapt to the track’s abrasive surface and varying grip levels under the cool desert night conditions.
Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, finished second, trailing Leclerc by 0.274 seconds. Carlos Sainz jr. in the othre Ferrari secured third place, continuing the Italian team’s promising start to the weekend. George Russell of Mercedes was fourth, followed by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso completing the top five.
The session wasn’t without incident. several drivers reported experiencing issues with the track surface,noting a significant amount of dust and debris impacting grip. Teams are analyzing data to understand tyre degradation and optimize strategies for qualifying and the race. Further practice sessions are scheduled for later in the weekend, offering teams additional opportunities to refine their setups and prepare for the challenges ahead.
