Autumn evenings in the Mojave Desert are hardly known for their warmth, and in Las Vegas, the venue for the third-to-last round of the F1 World Championship, cold temperatures have become a major factor, expected to play an even more significant role during qualifying.
In Nevada, Formula 1 races are held in the evening, showcasing the “City of Sin” at its dazzling best, captivating fans and spectators with a whirlwind of lights and signs. While the vibrant atmosphere adds to the allure, the Las Vegas Grand Prix presents a real challenge for drivers and teams alike. Beyond the unique setting, the weekend’s temperatures are strikingly “crisp,” forcing teams to extract maximum performance from their cars on an icy track.
Freezing Drivers: Lawson’s “Under the Blanket” Interview
At the end of the first day on track, many drivers voiced concerns, highlighting the frigid U.S. temperatures as the most challenging aspect to overcome. Descriptions of the track conditions frequently included the word “tricky,” emphasizing the difficulty of deciphering the circuit and getting the tires into their optimal operating window.
Max Verstappen compared the experience to driving “on ice,” and the comments from Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz echoed a similar sentiment. Even Andrew Shovlin acknowledged the harsh conditions, despite Mercedes quickly adapting to the cold. Meanwhile, some drivers went beyond the usual media discussions. During an interview with ESPN, Liam Lawson arrived at the paddock wrapped in a thick blanket before huddling next to a heater near the hospitality area.
Las Vegas Cold Snap: Qualifying to Be Even Colder
As evident from the first two practice sessions, the weather in Nevada has been anything but warm. During the start of FP2, the coldest session on Friday, air temperatures barely exceeded 11°C, with the track surface only slightly warmer at 13°C. However, Saturday could prove even worse. According to leading U.S. meteorological services, “Quali Day” is predicted to be the coldest day of the weekend. The three qualifying sessions are expected to take place with temperatures dropping further, likely hovering between 9°C and 10°C.
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