US Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc sets Austin practice pace from Max Verstappen
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc led both practice sessions at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, though Max Verstappen showed strong race-simulation pace. Kimi Antonelli remains in contention for the world title, requiring specific race results to secure the championship this weekend.
Why it matters
The United States Grand Prix is a major event in the Formula 1 calendar, and the current championship battle between emerging drivers and established veterans is a focal point for global sports fans.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Charles Leclerc topped both practice sessions in Austin on Friday
F1 Correspondent in Austin Published 23 October 2026 Updated 6 hours ago Ferrari's Charles Leclerc led Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in Friday practice at the United States Grand Prix - but Max Verstappen left the strongest impression in his Red Bull.
Leclerc, who topped both sessions, was 0.042 seconds ahead of the Italian, who has a mathematical chance of tying up his first world title this weekend.
Antonelli will win the championship in Austin only if he wins the race and team-mate George Russell finishes below eighth and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton below fourth.
Verstappen was third fastest, 0.189secs back, ahead of Hamilton, although the seven-time champion was 0.615secs off the pace. Russell was fifth ahead of Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson.
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