Formula 1 is rapidly approaching the return of the fastest single-seaters on the planet to the stunning location of Las Vegas. However, one of the most feared factors for the upcoming weekend is the low temperatures, which could pose considerable challenges for drivers in warming up the tires. Especially in qualifying and the race, the risk of seeing red flags due to accidents is substantial.
Las Vegas GP: Will low temperatures cause red flags?
“I must say they’ve done an excellent job,” stated Karun Chandhok in a video published on X. “The asphalt looks really good, with quite a high level of grip. Given the temperatures, I was a bit concerned about the level of adhesion, but I believe the asphalt can be quite solid.”
“It was incredible to drive around the track and see that everything was done in time, without last-minute panic. It’s really impressive, and I can’t wait to see the cars on the track.”
However, the former Indian driver raised some concerns about the low temperatures that the drivers will have to adapt to: “There are always uncertainties. For example, we don’t know what the surface of the track and the curbs will be like. I think there is a real stumbling block for everyone, namely the temperature.” – he explained.
“During the day, as in any desert, it will be around 20 degrees during the day and 7-8 degrees at night; this will have a huge effect. Since there are also long straights on this track, there are parts where you reach maximum speeds just below those of Monza. There’s a stretch of about 1.9 kilometers that you go through at full throttle, so you exceed 350 kilometers per hour. There’s a lot of cold air hitting the brakes.”
According to Karun Chandhok, the risk of accidents, and consequently red flags in the colder sessions, is real: “Let’s take Baku as a comparison: there’s that long stretch from turn 16 to the finish line. On that straight, temperatures drop by about 30 degrees. Considering that it will be 30 degrees less here, the temperature drop will be enormous. When the drivers reach the end of the straight and brake, with cold brakes and cold tires, it will be really challenging.”
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“So, I believe trying to nail the perfect lap in qualifying and identifying braking points is the first challenge to face. You have to try to understand the evolution of the track, take educated guesses, and use your judgment. Of course, it’s about skill, but also judgment, trying to understand where you need to brake.” – he pointed out – “When there’s the unpredictability of not knowing what’s under your left foot in terms of temperature and the feel of the brakes and tires, it’s very challenging. For this reason, I think there will be some red flags in qualifying and the race. When it comes to a new track, with so many variables in terms of conditions, red flags, and things like that, we might be facing a real danger.”
To counter the cold, Pirelli has already taken some measures, such as increasing tire pressure. As for temperatures, the maximum should hover around 12 degrees, dropping to as low as 8 degrees during the Grand Prix.
Source: f1ingenerale
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