Russell: Everyone has problems with tire granulation.

Mercedes drivers believe that the weekend’s results will largely depend on the extent to which they can achieve efficient operation of the tires, which are sensitive to granulation on the Las Vegas circuit, which has not yet happened this season.

Lewis Hamilton (9th): “The track is incredibly fast and I had a lot of fun today! I am very happy that work on the track has finally resumed. Of course, it’s a shame that problems arose during the first training, but the organizers managed to solve them, which is great, and in the end the second session was quite interesting.

The balance of the car is normal and if we compare the results on tires of the same compound, we are not much inferior to the leaders. Of course, everyone has problems due to tire granulation, but here everyone is in an equal position. This is due to a combination of two factors: Las Vegas has brand new asphalt and cold temperatures. In addition, the cars are configured for a low pressure level, so that they slide strongly along the track when cornering, especially at high speeds.
Overall it is not easy to drive. Although there are long straights, there are not many places to overtake due to the low grip. And the effect of the slipstream is not so strong, unlike Monza, so it will be interesting. It is important to qualify well, because a lot can depend on the starting position and tire degradation also affects the results.

But I have a fighting spirit: most drivers complain about problems due to jet lag, but I don’t have that problem, I feel great and I’m ready to get behind the wheel again.”

George Russel (12th): “It’s good that we were finally able to work on the track, but it was a very long day. The circuit is very fast, the top speed will probably be the highest of the season, and of course if the races take place at night it will look quite spectacular.

I think it will be an interesting weekend, with the granulation of the tires being the dominant factor during the sessions and I think this will make it difficult for everyone in the race.

The track surface condition improved with each lap. In the first laps it felt like we were riding on ice. The grip was poor and you could see how dirty and dusty the asphalt was. But gradually we adapted to the circuit, the speeds increased, the braking points shifted, because at first it was not easy to brake, approaching a corner at speeds of more than 300 km/h in a car that was configured for very little downforce.

It’s still difficult to get an accurate picture of the power balance, because some competitors used two new sets of soft tires, and we only used one. But I think the results of the weekend will depend on who gets what race pace.

Rubber granulation occurs on this track and this season we are experiencing such a phenomenon for the first time. Last year there were such problems to some extent, and then it was due to the properties of the rubber, but here it was due to low temperatures.

If the tires were working efficiently, the race distance in Las Vegas could easily be covered with one pit stop, but if problems arise due to granulation, there could be two, three or even more pit stops. Therefore, we must ensure that we do not have such problems.

Overall, the day was long enough that I was able to take four naps, including before heading to the track. But now I definitely want to go to bed as soon as possible.”