The Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Formula 1 races in the city of vice, delivered yet another reminder of Ferrari’s persistent challenges with tire activation, especially on Soft tires. This scenario became evident during the final phase of Free Practice 3, when both SF-25 cars were unable to generate adequate grip on Softs during the last stint. By the checkered flag of a wet qualifying session, the positions told the story: Charles Leclerc managed to survive, while Lewis Hamilton ended up last. Let’s explore why.
Las Vegas GP, Q1: a nightmare for Hamilton and the Scuderia
The Las Vegas Grand Prix opened under heavy rain, immediately turning the 22nd qualifying session of the season into an extremely challenging test. The wet asphalt troubled every driver on track, Ferrari included. Lewis Hamilton struggled immensely to find grip on the intermediate tires, quickly returning to the pits to switch to the Extreme wet tires. Charles Leclerc faced the same fate and also returned to the garage.
The situation was dramatic: even on Extreme tires, the SF-25 displayed limited stability, and the smallest mistake risked compromising an entire lap. The Monegasque driver flirted with the limits multiple times, eventually losing control as the car stalled and radio issues occurred. Charles managed to restart and set a time sufficient to pass into the next stage. Conversely, Lewis never managed to get in sync with the car, ending Q1 with the slowest lap time.
The emerging picture was clear: Ferrari struggled in extreme wet conditions, and even its most experienced drivers were at a disadvantage. Rain tire management proved to be a critical factor that the team simply could not resolve.
Las Vegas GP, Q2: Leclerc battles extreme conditions
The second part of qualifying saw Charles Leclerc remain Ferrari’s sole representative on track. The asphalt remained heavily wet, and Extreme tires were the only viable option. Every detail of the car’s setup, from differential settings to tire mappings, became crucial to manage the car and bring the tires up to temperature for at least minimal grip. This was the scenario, as expected, heading into Q2.
Charles struggled in the second sector, where the car exposed its limitations and lost valuable time. Despite this, he completed a lap with a decent time, staying just ahead of the eleventh-placed driver. Ferrari’s strategy was clear: remain on track, push without lifting, and try to heat the tires as effectively as possible. Every run became a challenge against unstable grip, with traction phases particularly critical.
The Monegasque driver attempted two runs to improve his performance, managing to gain time in the first sector but continuing to lose significant time in the second and third sectors. By the end of Q2, Charles secured a spot in the final session, demonstrating resilience and focus in conditions that would have discouraged many other drivers. A commendable effort by the Ferrari driver.
Las Vegas GP, Q3: Ferrari lacks grip and Leclerc finishes only ninth
The final stage of qualifying took place on still damp asphalt, which struggled to dry even under low temperatures. Charles Leclerc returned to the track on Green-banded Pirellis, maximizing hybrid energy and using push mode to try and produce a competitive lap. However, the SF-25 displayed evident limits: traction issues and long middle sectors prevented the car from expressing its potential.
The “push–charge–push” strategy unfolded, but the lack of grip persisted. In his final attempts, Charles made minor errors that compromised his overall lap time. The first sector was acceptable, but the second and third sectors saw Ferrari struggling. The result was a ninth-place finish, with the Monegasque driver describing the performance over the radio as “embarrassing” due to the complete absence of grip.
Lewis Hamilton, despite his talent, could not even progress beyond Q1, finishing last. It was truly a black day for the Maranello team, once again exposing the SF-25’s difficulties in wet conditions. Las Vegas qualifying confirmed that one of Ferrari’s key weaknesses remains tire management in mixed and challenging conditions. But, as we already knew, this has long been a recurring issue for the Scuderia.
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