Mercedes’ George Russell leads final practice for Las Vegas GP, beating Verstappen as championship contenders Norris and Piastri finish last.
LAS VEGAS: Mercedes driver George Russell set the fastest time in a caution-filled final practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Britain’s Russell saved his best lap for last in damp, greasy conditions, clocking one minute 34.054 seconds.
Reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished second, 0.227 seconds behind Russell’s benchmark time.
Williams driver Alex Albon secured third position with a time of 1:34.875.
Racing Bulls’ French driver Isack Hadjar took fourth place ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in fifth.
Championship leaders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri adopted a safety-first approach in the awkward conditions.
The McLaren duo finished at the bottom of the timing sheets, with Norris 3.058 seconds behind Russell’s pace.
Piastri was only marginally faster than his teammate, finishing 19th quickest with a time of 1:37.023.
Norris currently holds a 24-point lead in the drivers’ standings over Australian teammate Piastri.
The Briton is aiming to tighten his grip on the championship after back-to-back victories in Mexico and Sao Paulo.
Piastri has failed to secure a podium finish in the past five races since leading the championship after the Dutch Grand Prix.
Qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place later on Friday evening. – AFP
