Russell Dominates Vegas GP on Ultra-Smooth Track Surface
The exceptionally smooth track surface in Las Vegas proved instrumental in George Russell's dominant victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking a significant turnaround for Mercedes' performance.
Russell, who started from pole position, led teammate Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes 1-2 finish, with Hamilton climbing impressively from 10th place. The result marks a notable improvement for Mercedes, who had secured just one podium in the previous seven races.
"It's no secret that we struggle on bumpy circuits," Russell explained. "On smooth tracks like this, we can run the car low and stiff, which is where we perform best." This characteristic of the Las Vegas circuit allowed Mercedes to optimize their car setup, contrary to bumpier tracks where they're forced to compromise performance.
The British driver executed a flawless race strategy, building a substantial lead after fending off Charles Leclerc in the opening laps. Despite Hamilton's late-race pressure, Russell maintained control while managing his pace and tire wear throughout.
"I think we won the race in stint one," Russell reflected. "From there, it was about managing the pace and tires strategically." This measured approach proved successful, delivering Russell a commanding victory in what has been an inconsistent season for Mercedes.
Red F1 car on racetrack
The result demonstrates Mercedes' potential when track conditions align with their car's strengths, suggesting they could be competitive at similar venues in the future.