F1 drivers facing 'slight chance' of Las Vegas GP disruption

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to be run under very different conditions compared to the qualifying session that took place in the wet.

The rain that dominated Friday was ultimately a surprise, mainly given its intensity and length as it dominated the first half of the qualifying session before relenting; however, the wet track ensured conditions were treacherous throughout.

On a more level playing field compared to a dry track, McLaren's Lando Norris took full advantage to land a surprise pole position, as it was anticipated coming into the weekend that the MCL39 would again struggle at this venue, as has been the case at the two previous runnings of the event.

The British driver will line up on the front row alongside Red Bull's Max Verstappen. As for Norris' team-mate and title rival, Oscar Piastri, the Australian, who is in dire need of closing the gap, given the 24-point cushion that has opened up between them, lines up fifth.

Piastri, though, can expect little in the way of help from the weather as the 50 laps are set to be completed in dry conditions.

There may be a small spanner in the works for the drivers and teams as the FIA is forecasting there is "only a slight chance of one light shower in the evening", with the race starting at 8 pm local time, two hours earlier than the prior two editions.

One area to focus on is that there will be a light north-westerly wind, offering a favourable headwind for overtaking opportunities into the turn at the end of The Strip.