The FIA, F1 in the US, and Understanding W15:

Lewis and George Preview Las Vegas

The weeks between leaving São Paulo and arriving in Nevada were far from quiet. There was the departure of Race Director Niels Wittich, and a strongly worded statement from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).

George, a director of the GPDA, said the drivers were unaware the change in leadership was coming.

"We were not aware, so it came as a bit of a surprise to us," he said.

"It would have been nice to have been kept in the loop. At the end of the day we just want to be transparent with the FIA, and the news was a prime example of not being part of these conversations.

"We just want to work with the FIA to make the best for the sport we all love. We want to maximise this opportunity F1 is in at the moment. It is amazing to be part of.

"I think if you worked together with us, that we could have helped improve the matter. Let's see what this new era is going to bring, but every time there is a change, you have to take one step back before you make the two steps forwards."

And on the GPDA statement that was released, on a newly formed social media account?

"I think times are changing and the fans are a huge part of this sport," said George.

"I think if we're talking about openness and transparency and including everybody in this for the greater good, then having it on a social media platform makes perfect sense. "As drivers, we only want the best for the sport. We want to improve it, and I guess we all wanted to show that we are collectively united.

"Maybe that will show how seriously we feel as a whole on the subject. Ultimately, we are only doing it for the benefit of the sport."

It is a sport that is only on the up in terms of growth. Nowhere has that been more apparent in recent years than in the US.

America has had three races on the calendar for the past two seasons, and that will be the case again in 2025.

Lewis said: "The three circuits we visit are just such different places to go. You have the heat of Miami, and then the glitz and glamour of Vegas.

"I grew up watching movies of Vegas and then to be here going down the Strip, it is such a great addition to the calendar. It will only get better each time we race it.

"Then Austin is the best track that is here in the States, I think. It is one of the most fun race weekends across the season. It just feels very young. It is awesome."

That increased awareness has reached a wide range of fans, too.

Lewis said: "More eyeballs on the sport is not a bad thing. A lot of celebrities do turn up to races, but I think we need to make sure that the sport is always accessible - for those fans who work really hard for their money.

"Vegas is all about the glitz and the glamour, but today we had a group of kids here, from very diverse backgrounds.

"I think it is great the sport is starting to work on diversity and inclusion and making sure we are giving access to young kids and showing that where you come from, you belong here.

"We have work to do to make sure that continues. We need to make sure people feel more comfortable in their environment and can keep their jobs when they get to the sport."

On track, the final push for 2024 has arrived. Three more races of F1's longest ever campaign remain. Despite a strong mid-season run, it has ultimately been challenging for the team.

"We understand why the car is so up and down," said George.

"It has a narrow window, and when we can exploit that, we have a race-winning car. But that all goes out the window when we go to different circuits and have to change that set-up.

"But we have done a good job to capitalise on the races that we did. We just need to make a more consistent car over 24 races."