The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas set the stage for an electrifying Grand Prix weekend, and Ferrari fans have much to talk about after the opening practice sessions. The Scuderia’s performance so far balances optimism with the tempered caution that comes from countless seasons of dramatic ups and downs. But if the initial signs are anything to go by, Ferrari’s prospects for this showpiece race are far from bleak.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both hit the Nevada tarmac with a clear objective: build momentum, collect data, and stake out a competitive edge on Vegas’s brand new street circuit. While high-speed straights and tight chicanes posed a unique challenge, the red cars looked sharp and controlled right out of the gate. Leclerc, as ever, pushed the limits, quickly finding a rhythm and extracting promising pace on both short and long runs.
One key takeaway from the Friday action is Ferrari’s apparent stability — both drivers consistently perched near the top of the timesheets, signaling genuine single-lap and race pace. While the Vegas surface was chilly and the grip ever-evolving, the SF-23 package responded well to set-up tweaks, handling low temperatures and tricky surfaces as well as anyone in the paddock. The signs point to plenty of potential ahead.
Speaking after the day’s work, Leclerc hinted at satisfaction, albeit with his typical edge of hunger for more. He noted that while the outright pace looks good, further fine-tuning could unlock another layer of competitiveness. Crucially, the car proved responsive to adjustment — a trait that might enable Ferrari to zero in on the perfect balance as the track evolves over the race weekend. “Not in a bad place,” might sound understated for a team of Maranello’s ambition, but it’s also a coded warning: Ferrari are lurking, ready to pounce.
Sainz, too, shared encouraging feedback. The Spaniard was able to tick off his planned test programmes and was comfortable with the tyre behaviour on extended runs. Long-run simulations showed Ferrari can manage degradation effectively — vital for a race where strategy and tyre preservation will be paramount. With overtaking expected to be tricky except on that roaring Strip straight, Ferrari’s strong qualifying pace could prove decisive come lights out.
However, there is a note of caution as Red Bull and Mercedes refused to show their full hand during practice, likely dialing back performance to cloak their true speed. The weekend remains wide open, and the rapidly changing grip levels mean Saturday could bring fresh variables to the party. But for Ferrari, this is a weekend to steady the nerves and aim high — this is, after all, the brand’s first competitive appearance in Las Vegas since 1982, and the hunger to deliver for the Tifosi burns brighter than any neon sign on the Strip.
All eyes now turn to qualifying, where track evolution and rapid adaptation could shake up the established order. If Ferrari can keep building on this strong foundation, Leclerc and Sainz might well be the aces in the Vegas pack, bringing not just spectacle, but a genuine shot at victory to Maranello’s faithful. One thing is certain: Ferrari are far from out of the running, and in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, that means anything can happen under those glittering Vegas lights.
