Lewis Hamilton braced for 'very tough' challenge as nasty Las Vegas threat emerges

Lewis Hamilton insists he is "down for the challenge" of wet conditions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with potential adverse weather across the early part of the weekend in Sin City.

There is a risk of rain on the first two days of track action, but whilst it is not expected to fall during any sessions, the cool temperatures and already slippery surface could provide a formidable hurdle for the entire field to overcome.

Hamilton's feelings have been shared by other drivers throughout the paddock, with Lando Norris calling the possibility "pretty nasty" during the FIA press conference.

Both qualifying and the race are scheduled for two hours earlier this year than in the two previous visits to Nevada, but a cold snap has offset what would usually have seen warmer conditions.

That, combined with having no sun to dry the tarmac, could also further add to the difficult prospect ahead.

When asked by media, including RacingNews365, about the conditions and the low-grip asphalt in Las Vegas, Hamilton highlighted the "narrow working window" that will get even smaller if intermediate or wet tyres are required at all.

Laughing, the seven-time F1 drivers' champion replied: "It's going to be really hard if it's wet.

"This is probably the slippery track that we go to, in terms of the grip we had in the last couple of years.

"Getting the tyres working here is very, very tough in these cool conditions. Obviously, these tyres have a very narrow working window, and that would be even worse, obviously, when it's on inters or extreme wets."

Nonetheless, Hamilton maintains he is ready to tackle the issue head-on, if it comes to fruition, despite the SF-25 often struggling in adverse conditions.

"But I'm down for the challenge if we're faced with it," the Ferrari driver added. "And I'm constantly learning about how to get this car into a bit of a better, happier spot in terms of driving.

"It doesn't necessarily love the rain, so... It will be a challenge for everyone. But hopefully we'll get some dry sessions in."