F1 Academy Free Practice in Las Vegas kicked off the Championship finale weekend under clear desert skies as drivers tackled the iconic street circuit for the first time in series history. After a month-and-a-half break, the F1 Academy Championship returned for its decisive round in Nevada.
The sole Free Practice session at F1 Academy Las Vegas GP proved crucial for drivers to familiarise themselves with the demanding 6.2 kilometre circuit before Saturday’s Qualifying.
Block sets early pace
Around half the field remained in the pits during the opening five minutes, allowing Lia Block to set the early benchmark of 2:19.431, which she quickly improved to 2:15.321.
As more drivers ventured out for Free Practice in Las Vegas, lock-ups became a common sight despite the dry conditions. Both Block and Gademan were two of those drivers, both bringing out a brief yellow flag. Block’s time was soon topped by Larsen, Westcott, and current Championship leader Doriane Pin. Larsen led the trio with a 2:12.089.
Championship rivals trade times
The complexion of F1 Academy FP Las Vegas shifted dramatically as tire temperatures reached their optimal window. With 24 minutes left on the clock, Pin unleashed a blistering 2:10.117 to seize P1, while her title rival Maya Weug slotted into second, 0.714 seconds adrift.
The Frenchwoman wasn’t finished. Pin continued extracting more pace from her car, eventually lowering the benchmark to 2:07.967, a time that would stand as the fastest lap of the session. Weug remained her closest challenger, improving to within 0.281 seconds of the leader.
Red flag halts final push
The closing stages of F1 Academy FP Las Vegas descended into chaos when Chloe Chambers lost control at Turn 1, sending her car nose-first into the barriers with nine minutes remaining. The incident brought out yellow flags before race control deployed a full red flag stoppage.
Racing resumed with just six minutes on the clock, though yellow flags remained waved in sector one. Most teams opted to keep their drivers in the garage rather than risk damage with qualifying looming.
A handful of competitors attempted a last-gasp flying lap as the session entered its final 30 seconds, but the checkered flag fell before any could complete their efforts.
F1 Academy Las Vegas GP FP results
- D. Pin
- M. Weug
- C. Chambers
- A. Larsen
- A. Palmowski
- T. Hausmann
- E. Lloyd
- N. Gademan
- R. Ferreira
- C. Chong
- L. Block
- A. Nobels
- P. Westcott
- E. Felbermayr
- R. Robertson
- C. Crone
- J. Ciconte
- N. Havrda
