F1 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix Weather Forecast: What to Expect Under the Nevada Lights
Formula 1 heads back to the dazzling city of Las Vegas this weekend for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix — an event that not only promises high-speed action on the iconic Strip but also kicks off the final triple-header of the season. With the championship battle tightening, weather conditions could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of this late-season showdown.
Following a dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris enters the Vegas weekend with a slightly stronger hold on the drivers’ championship. But with three races left, the door remains open for his teammate Oscar Piastri or reigning champion Max Verstappen to mount a last-minute title charge. Norris leads with 24 points over Piastri, while Verstappen trails the Australian by just 25 points. However, the Dutch superstar faces increasing pressure — a weak result in Las Vegas could mathematically end his hopes of retaining the crown.
Adding another twist, fans and teams alike must adapt to an unusual schedule. Due to the significant time difference between Pacific Standard Time (PST) and GMT, sessions will occur a day earlier than usual in local time. With the race held on a Saturday night and sessions taking place after dark, the weather—and the unusually cold conditions—may influence tyre behaviour, grip levels, and even overall race strategy.
Weekend Schedule – Las Vegas 2025
Thursday, 20 November
FP1 – 4:30 PM PST
FP2 – 8:00 PM PST
Friday, 21 November
FP3 – 4:30 PM PST
Qualifying – 8:00 PM PST
Saturday, 22 November
Race – 8:00 PM PST
Weather Outlook for the Las Vegas GP
Southern Nevada experienced bouts of extreme weather earlier in the week, with storms sweeping across the region and even a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service from late Tuesday into early Wednesday morning. Footage circulating online showed streets drenched and waterlogged. Fortunately, the worst appears to have passed, and current projections suggest the race weekend will avoid flooding risks. Still, the lingering effects of the storms — including residual moisture, cold temperatures, and unpredictable breezes — could heavily influence track conditions.
Below is a session-by-session breakdown of the anticipated weather as F1 takes to the streets of Las Vegas.
Thursday – FP1 & FP2 (20 November)
Free Practice 1 begins at 4:30 PM PST, and although earlier forecasts hinted at possible storms, the likelihood of rainfall during FP1 is low. Precipitation is expected to remain at around 4% leading into the hour-long session, rising slightly to 13% as cars circulate. Temperatures will hover near 14°C, marking the beginning of what is likely the coldest race weekend of the entire season.
The second practice session at 8:00 PM PST will take place under even chillier conditions. Temperatures are forecast to drop to approximately 12°C, accompanied by a gentle breeze and a 33% chance of rain. This session will be especially important for teams because it most closely mirrors the temperature and track conditions expected for both qualifying and the race. Cooler weather tends to benefit teams like Mercedes, whose cars often perform better in lower-temperature setups.
Friday – FP3 & Qualifying (21 November)
FP3 kicks off at 4:30 PM PST on a track very likely to still be wet from rain earlier in the morning and overnight. With temperatures remaining low — around 14°C — drying will be slow, meaning the circuit may remain damp or slippery throughout the session. Although the likelihood of rainfall during FP3 is modest at 14%, the lack of heat makes it difficult for the surface to recover fully. Teams may be forced to run on intermediate or wet tyres to avoid risk.
Qualifying later at 8:00 PM PST is expected to mirror Thursday night’s weather pattern. Temperatures should settle around 12°C once more, with light winds brushing across the Strip. The chance of rain for qualifying currently stands at 8%, but even with minimal rainfall during the session, any earlier showers could leave patches of moisture — a potential source of unpredictability in a session where grip is crucial.
Saturday – Race Day (22 November)
Unique to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the main race takes place on a Saturday evening. Under the bright lights of the Strip, lights out is scheduled for 8:00 PM PST, where conditions look more stable and favourable than earlier in the week.
Meteorologists forecast mostly clear skies, with just a 6% chance of rain when the race begins. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly compared to qualifying, returning to about 14°C. Humidity levels will sit around 55%, and winds may pick up slightly, but nothing significant enough to threaten running.
The cool weather may once again play into Mercedes’ hands. With George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both finishing on the podium at the 2024 Las Vegas GP and Russell also a past winner at this venue, the Silver Arrows are optimistic they can capitalise on the conditions again.
