Carlos Sainz stunned the Formula 1 paddock with a brilliant wet-weather drive in Las Vegas. The Ferrari driver will start second on the grid for Saturday night’s Grand Prix. He set a blistering lap in treacherous conditions, beaten only by Charles Leclerc’s last-gasp effort.
This result marks a significant turnaround for Ferrari at the street circuit. Persistent rain created a dramatic and unpredictable qualifying session that reshuffled the expected order.
Masterclass in the Wet for Ferrari
Sainz’s performance was a masterclass in car control. He consistently topped the timing sheets throughout the wet Q1 and Q2 segments. His car looked planted where others were skating on the slick surface.
According to Reuters, the session was red-flagged twice due to standing water. Drivers reported extremely poor visibility from spray. Sainz managed the risks perfectly to advance.
In the final Q3 shootout, Sainz delivered a provisional pole lap. He threaded his Ferrari through the puddles with precision. Teammate Leclerc then pipped him by just over a tenth of a second moments later.
A Critical Result for the Championship Fight
Starting from the front row is crucial for Sainz’s race strategy. It offers a clear track ahead and clean air for the race start. Overtaking is notoriously difficult on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
This strong qualifying performance injects vital momentum for Ferrari. The team is locked in a tight battle for second place in the constructors’ championship. Every point from this event is critical.
Rivals Red Bull and Mercedes struggled more in the conditions. Defending world champion Max Verstappen will start from sixth position. This opens a major opportunity for Sainz to score a big result.
The Las Vegas GP qualifying proved that Carlos Sainz remains one of the sport’s elite wet-weather drivers. His front-row start sets the stage for a thrilling race under the lights.
Thought you’d like to know
When does the Las Vegas Grand Prix race start?
The race begins at 10:00 PM local time (Pacific Time) on Saturday. It is scheduled for 50 laps around the 3.85-mile street circuit. All times are subject to potential delays from weather.
What was the weather like during qualifying?
Heavy rain affected the entire session, creating a fully wet track. Temperatures were unseasonably cool for Las Vegas, around 55°F (13°C). The conditions are expected to be drier but still cold for the race itself.
Who took pole position for the Las Vegas GP?
Charles Leclerc secured pole for Ferrari with a time of 1:48.305. He beat his teammate Carlos Sainz by 0.110 seconds. It is Leclerc’s third pole position of the 2024 season.
How does this result impact the driver standings?
Sainz gains a significant advantage over his direct rivals starting behind him. A podium finish would bolster his position in the fight for fourth in the championship. It also strengthens Ferrari’s hold on second in the team standings.
Why is qualifying well so important in Las Vegas?
The street circuit layout has few genuine overtaking opportunities. Track position and clean air are therefore at a premium. Starting at the front greatly increases the chance of a strong finish.
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