Hamilton leads a Mercedes one-two with Russell, while low-grip conditions challenge drivers in the glitzy desert setting.

Lewis Hamilton made a commanding return to form at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, leading teammate George Russell in a Mercedes one-two during the first practice session. The seven-time world champion, who recently admitted to doubts following struggles in Sao Paulo, clocked the fastest lap, finishing 0.396 seconds ahead of Russell.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, still clinging to slim championship hopes, secured third place, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, on the brink of his fourth consecutive title, finished fifth behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

The much-anticipated Las Vegas circuit, with its dazzling backdrop of iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, and the illuminated Sphere, proved a unique challenge for drivers. A year’s accumulation of desert dust coated the track, creating low-grip conditions and sending plumes of particles into the air as cars swept through.

Despite the tricky surface, no major incidents occurred during the hour-long session. Turn 14, a tight corner at the end of the famous Las Vegas Strip, saw several drivers venture into the run-off area, but all recovered without issue.

Hamilton, reflecting on his practice performance, expressed a mix of relief and satisfaction. “After Brazil, I wasn’t sure I wanted to get back into the car,” he revealed, referencing the tough weekend he faced in Sao Paulo. “But this session has brought back the excitement. It’s a unique track, and the atmosphere here is unreal.”

Russell echoed his teammate’s sentiments, noting the importance of maximising the team’s opportunities as the season winds down. “We’ve worked hard to optimise the car for these conditions, and it’s paying off,” he said.

McLaren’s Norris, meanwhile, found himself in a unique position. While Verstappen holds a commanding 62-point lead with just three races to go, Norris remains mathematically in the title race. However, he would need a monumental turnaround to outscore Verstappen by more than two points in Las Vegas to keep his hopes alive.

“It’s a long shot,” Norris admitted, “but we’re giving it everything. This track is something special, and anything can happen.”

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc showed a strong pace to claim fourth place in practice, ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull. His teammate Carlos Sainz took sixth, narrowly ahead of Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin.

The top 10 was rounded out by McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, all putting in respectable performances under the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ neon-lit skyline.

The event’s visual spectacle has been as much a focus as the racing itself. The illuminated Sphere—a futuristic globe displaying messages like “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”—caught the eye of fans and drivers alike. Meanwhile, pre-race festivities included McLaren’s Norris posing with a quartet of Elvis Presley impersonators, encapsulating the city’s legendary showbiz charm.

The Vegas circuit is as much a stage as a track, with Trump Tower, the Bellagio fountains, and other landmarks providing a stunning backdrop. Drivers and teams now turn their focus to the next practice sessions, hoping to refine their strategies for Sunday’s race.

For Verstappen, the title remains tantalisingly close. As long as Norris doesn’t outscore him significantly, the Dutch driver will seal his fourth championship—a milestone that would further cement his dominance in the sport.

Mercedes, however, will relish their early advantage, with Hamilton and Russell looking to upset the usual Red Bull dominance. With a mix of challenging conditions, star-studded surroundings, and the high stakes of championship glory, Las Vegas promises to deliver a spectacle both on and off the track.