Overview
- Team principal Andrea Stella says McLaren has acted on its 2024 Las Vegas review across tyres, aero efficiency and setup, but only track running will show if the gains stick.
- Pirelli’s stronger 2025 tyre construction has eased graining at other venues, yet forecasts around 12C suggest graining and low grip could still be decisive on the Strip.
- The grand prix moves to an 8pm local start, a shift that may lift surface temperatures slightly and ease operations, with practice sessions needed to validate conditions.
- Lando Norris cautions that Vegas remains a weak venue for McLaren despite recent wins; he cannot seal the championship this weekend as Oscar Piastri chases a lifeline at 24 points back and Max Verstappen sits 49 behind.
- Mercedes, a one‑two winner here in 2024, is considered a threat again, though Toto Wolff doubts a repeat of last year’s dominance, reinforcing the wait‑and‑see tone before practice.