Russell Sets the Pace in the Final Practice of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
George Russell, driving his Mercedes, led the final practice of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, surpassing Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
The session, which began with the drivers using intermediate tires due to the rain, saw a constant improvement in times as the track dried.
Russell edged out Verstappen by 0.227 seconds at the end of the session.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who are competing for the title, finished in the last positions, unable to take advantage of the track improvement due to pit stops in the final minutes.
Norris, who led FP2 on Thursday, leads his teammate by 24 points before Saturday’s race in Las Vegas, while Verstappen is 49 points behind.
The classification will begin at 8 p.m. local time.Alex Albon, from Williams, surprised by placing third, although 0.821 seconds behind Russell.
Isack Hadjar, from Racing Bulls, placed fourth, followed by Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s teammate at Mercedes.
Unlike Thursday’s second practice session, there were no issues with loose manhole covers. The FIA reported that repairs were carried out overnight and the covers were welded into place.
