Leclerc Tops FP1 at United States GP, Outpacing Verstappen
Written with artificial intelligence.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured the fastest time in the first practice session for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 0.084 seconds. The session showcased Ferrari's latest aero upgrades as the teams prepared for the challenging Circuit of the Americas.
Leclerc's Performance
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the first practice session for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, achieving a time of 1m36.052s on soft tyres. This performance put him just ahead of Max Verstappen from Red Bull, who finished the session 0.084 seconds behind.
Upgrades and Challenges
During FP1, Ferrari tested what is believed to be the final round of its 2026 aero upgrades, which included changes to the floor, bargeboard, sidepod, and diffuser. Despite these updates, the team downplayed expectations, referring to the improvements as minor. The Circuit of the Americas is known for its demanding layout and bumpy surface, which posed challenges for all drivers.
Competitive Field
Lando Norris from McLaren took third place, followed closely by Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. The top four teams appeared closely matched, with only fractions of a second separating their times. Feedback from drivers indicated balance issues as they adapted to the circuit's conditions.
Notable Entries
Cadillac's Colton Herta participated in FP1, stepping in for Sergio Perez, while Alex Albon from Williams did not set a competitive time due to conducting aerodynamic testing for future developments. The session highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the upcoming race weekend.