Leclerc Sets Early Pace at United States Grand Prix Practice

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was the fastest driver in Friday practice at the United States Grand Prix, according to BBC Sport. He topped both practice sessions on Friday, finishing 0.042 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli.

Kimi Antonelli still has a mathematical chance of winning his first world title in Austin. For that to happen, he must win the race, George Russell must finish below eighth, and Lewis Hamilton must finish below fourth.

Max Verstappen was third fastest, 0.189 seconds behind Leclerc. Hamilton was fourth fastest, 0.615 seconds off the pace, and Russell was fifth, ahead of Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls.

Verstappen appeared fastest on the race-simulation runs later in the session. He was also marginally faster than Leclerc on average over long runs. Hamilton appeared to struggle for pace compared with Leclerc on both short and long runs.

Ferrari have an upgrade focused on a new floor this weekend. Leclerc described the track surface as very poor, particularly in the first sector.

Lando Norris was seventh fastest and did not set a time on his qualifying simulation run after a mistake at Turn 16. He was the fastest on the long runs, about 0.2 seconds faster on average than Verstappen, but on the hard tyre. Norris said the car was too difficult to drive consistently.

McLaren introduced the first of three consecutive planned upgrades this weekend. Oscar Piastri was eighth fastest, while Isack Hadjar and Oliver Bearman were ranked ninth and tenth.

Mercedes reverted both cars to the upgraded specification introduced in Malaysia two races ago. Several drivers face grid penalties for engine part changes: Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls will drop five places, Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi will drop 20 places, and Franco Colapinto of Alpine will drop 10 places.

The United States Grand Prix takes place from 23 to 25 October.