Lewis Hamilton has received a boost ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insisting they’ve learned their lessons from their recent disaster in Brazil.
The Silver Arrows had gone into the Brazilian GP hoping to continue their improvement in recent weeks.
Yet that didn’t happen, with Hamilton and George Russell both enduring chastening afternoons.
Hamilton could only finish eighth, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Carlos Sainz Jr and Pierre Gasly all finishing ahead of him.
And Russell was unable to complete the race, too, which only added to Mercedes’ woes.
Hamilton is currently preparing for Sunday’s Las Vegas GP as he looks to end the season on a high.
The Briton hasn’t won a race in nearly two years, now.
Yet Wolff has insisted Mercedes have learned from their experience in Brazil and have acted accordingly to get their drivers the best possible chance of reigning supreme.
“After promising performances in the US and Mexico, we didn’t perform at our best in Brazil,” he stated.
“We have been hard at work to identify the wrong turn we took with the set-up; we have done that. “We understand our mistakes and can explain our performance loss to the field.
“That’s important as we look to secure P2 in the Constructors’ Championship.”
Wolff also says Mercedes have prepared the ‘best they can’ for the race in Vegas.
It is the first time F1 will be held in that area of the world since 1982.
He continued: “In parallel, we have been preparing for the challenge of racing at a venue that is a complete unknown.
“We have prepared the best we can, using the limited information we have, and there are some unique characteristics we can anticipate.
“The schedule is offset compared to other races.
“We’ll be running at night, where ambient and track temperatures will likely be in the single digits.
“Plus, the track layout itself is unusual with many slow corners but long straights.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for us all and we’re looking forward to taking it on.”
Wolff has also revealed he has placed a gambling ban on his team for the visit to Vegas.
The iconic city is home to some of the biggest and grandest casinos in the world.
Yet Wolff wants his side to only be focused on winning and boosting their chances of finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship.
“I think everyone is looking forward to the Las Vegas race,” he stated.
“Racing in this city is comparable to climbing Everest, hats off to Liberty Media for organising this race.
“I don’t think I’m the only one in Formula One who has never been to this city, which is quite difficult to get around.
“We don’t know how to get from the hotel to the circuit and back, but I’m sure we’ll find a solution. I’m looking forward to the race.”
He added: “As I said, I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but we’ll do our best to make sure everyone in the team stays away from the casinos – I don’t gamble and I’ll make sure no one else gambles either!”