Third Free Practice Results & Report 2023 Las Vegas F1 GP
Event: Las Vegas Grand Prix
Track: Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Weather: dry 17°C
Tarmac: dry 19°C
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 1.2 m/s SW
Pressure: 943 mbar
FP3 Report: 2023 Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix
Friday Night Lights Shine on Mixed Results in Final Practice
Under the dazzling neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, Formula One's brightest stars took to the track for the final practice session (FP3) ahead of what promises to be an electrifying qualifying round for the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Strong Showing Overshadowed by Sainz's Setback
Ferrari, bouncing back from a challenging FP1, demonstrated formidable pace, leading the pack in FP2. However, the team faced a significant hurdle as Carlos Sainz's earlier mishap led to extensive repairs and a consequential 10-place grid penalty for the race.
Red Bull's Tactical Approach
While Ferrari showed their speed, Red Bull adopted a more measured strategy. Both Verstappen and Perez appeared to focus more on acquainting themselves with the track's nuances rather than outright speed. Despite this, the door to the top positions remains open as Red Bull hinted at untapped potential.
Aston Martin Continues Its Upward Trajectory
Fernando Alonso's continued resurgence with Aston Martin was evident, as he secured a top-three position in FP2. The team's resurgence injects additional competitiveness at the front of the grid, reminiscent of their early-season form.
Mercedes and McLaren: Strategy Over Speed
Both Mercedes and McLaren, expecting challenges from the track's configuration, opted for strategic tire choices and setup adjustments. With cooler temperatures favoring Mercedes and McLaren's Lando Norris in excellent form, both teams could still make an impact.
FP3: A Prelude to Qualifying Drama
As FP3 commenced, the focus shifted to final adjustments and tire strategies, with teams and drivers keenly aware of the track's evolving conditions. The session saw a mix of tire compounds in use, with teams exploring various strategies to optimize grip and longevity.
Tyre Dynamics and Track Temperatures
Pirelli's analysis of the track conditions indicated manageable tire graining and unexpected ease in tire warm-up, crucial factors for teams like Mercedes. However, the soft tires presented a conundrum, balancing warm-up laps and graining, especially on a circuit as long as Las Vegas.
The Battle for the Top
Throughout FP3, the leaderboard fluctuated, with George Russell eventually topping the session, closely followed by young talents Piastri and Sargeant. Red Bull displayed their might with Verstappen briefly leading, only to be surpassed as other drivers made their mark.
Albon's Mishap and the Red Flag Conclusion
A dramatic turn of events saw Albon lose a tire after a collision with the barriers, leading to a red-flagged session. This incident, alongside mixed results across the grid, sets the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling qualifying round.
Looking Ahead: Qualifying Intrigues
As teams and drivers prepare for qualifying, the focus will be on maximizing track evolution and mastering the tow, both pivotal in securing a favorable position. The varied performances in FP3 only add to the suspense, with teams like Ferrari and McLaren eager to showcase their true potential in the qualifying showdown.
The quickest sector times in this 9 min long FP1 were:
- 26.657 sec. by Max Verstappen (Red Bull RB19 #1)
- 31.158 sec. by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari SF-23 #16)
- 36.030 sec. by Logan Sargeant (Williams FW45 #2)
FP3 Times Table 2023 Las Vegas GP
| P | No | Driver | Team | Time | 1st Gap | Laps | Tyres |
| 1 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:34,093 | 23 | ????S | |
| 2 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:34,491 | +0,398s | 20 | ????S |
| 3 | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1:34,645 | +0,552s | 17 | ????S |
| 4 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:34,653 | +0,560s | 14 | ????S |
| 5 | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | 1:34,706 | +0,613s | 13 | ????S |
| 6 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:34,726 | +0,633s | 14 | ????S |
| 7 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:34,788 | +0,695s | 18 | ????S |
| 8 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:34,853 | +0,760s | 24 | ????S |
| 9 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo | 1:34,908 | +0,815s | 18 | ????S |
| 10 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 1:35,067 | +0,974s | 18 | ????S |
| 11 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:35,089 | +0,996s | 17 | ????S |
| 12 | 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | 1:35,112 | +1,019s | 17 | ????S |
| 13 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:35,253 | +1,160s | 20 | ????S |
| 14 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:35,297 | +1,204s | 15 | ????S |
| 15 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Alfa Romeo | 1:35,881 | +1,788s | 15 | ????S |
| 16 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:35,908 | +1,815s | 22 | ????M |
| 17 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:35,939 | +1,846s | 21 | ????M |
| 18 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri | 1:36,087 | +1,994s | 15 | ????S |
| 19 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:36,485 | +2,392s | 12 | ????S |
| 20 | 3 | Daniel Ricciardo | AlphaTauri | 1:37,778 | +3,685s | 15 | ????S |
✅ Check out our 2023 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix preview.
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Hope this was just a one-and-done GP. Poorly thought out, amateur hour regarding the track itself and conditions. Gouging ticket prices, then having to deep discount them days before the race. All glitz and nothing else but a spectacle Wake up Liberty Media, this was an embarrassment beyond words.