Kimi Antonelli’s rise within Mercedes continues to accelerate. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, round 22 of the Formula 1 World Championship, remains one of the most distinctive stops on the calendar. Once again, the weather conditions will play a decisive role, with very low temperatures and an asphalt surface that can feel almost like ice. After last year’s one-two finish secured by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes arrives with increased expectations. The goal is clear: try to win again on a track that historically suits them.
Mercedes: can Kimi win in Nevada? His week of preparation was focused entirely on that
The W16 has shown encouraging signs on low-grip circuits, and this could open up new scenarios in Las Vegas. The city street layout always presents a unique challenge: long straights, heavy braking zones, and a grip level that changes from one lap to the next. In this context, tyre management becomes absolutely crucial, with strategies that may evolve even within a single stint. Everything remains to be confirmed, of course, but in Las Vegas nothing is impossible.
For the Brackley-based team, which last year found an excellent balance between race pace and top-end speed at this track, the weekend represents a genuine opportunity. The German squad is also pushing to consolidate its second place in the Constructors’ Championship. However, the focus is not directed solely at George Russell.
Antonelli, coming from a period of steady improvement and from a strong second place in Brazil, arrives in Las Vegas with the clear intention of impressing once again. Kimi has already shown maturity in handling complex race weekends, making the most of what the car can offer him, especially on circuits where he has little prior experience.
F1, Las Vegas GP: Kimi is beginning to truly believe
On a circuit as unpredictable as this, there could be a genuine opening for something more than a “simple” podium. A podium would of course be an excellent achievement for a rookie, yet under the right conditions, that result might even be surpassed. At least on paper, this remains the hope, because the young talent from Bologna has never stopped believing that, if everything aligns perfectly, taking a victory during this season is not an unrealistic scenario.
Mercedes, for its part, is well aware that there is a great deal still at stake in this final phase of the championship. The fight for second place in the Constructors’ standings is wide open, and every single point could prove decisive. Performances in recent races have been somewhat inconsistent, but still stronger than those of their direct rivals. For this reason, the German team is keeping a cautious approach, fully aware that nothing can be taken for granted.
Toto Wolff: “We must not rest on the 2024 performances.” The Austrian manager is absolutely right
The mindset of the team is perfectly summarized by the words of team principal Toto Wolff, who stated that the Las Vegas weekend is unlike any other: “Las Vegas is different from any other race. Racing along the Strip at night has become an iconic element, with a fast layout that creates challenges and engaging races. The first two editions attracted all kinds of spectators, and I am convinced this one will also live up to expectations.”
Toto Wolff added: “On track we have regained a certain margin in the fight for second place, but nothing is guaranteed. We have seen how quickly the overall picture can change, and we do not want to be carried away by the enthusiasm of last year. The level is extremely high and the battle will last until Abu Dhabi. Three intense weeks await us, and we are ready.” Mercedes is ready, Wolff is ready—but will Kimi Antonelli be ready as well?
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