Leclerc edges Verstappen in Austin opening practice
Archive photograph: Charles Leclerc · 2026-05-13Archive photo · 2026-05-13 · Gabriel Hutchinson · CC BY-SA 4.0
Charles Leclerc topped first practice in Austin, 0.084 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. Kimi Antonelli was fifth in the first weekend he can clinch his first world title.
Charles Leclerc opened the United States Grand Prix weekend fastest, 0.084 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen in first practice at Austin.
Ferrari's Austin upgrade centres on a new floor, although Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both played down its potential impact. Antonelli was fifth, behind McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' George Russell, and 0.481 seconds off the pace. Hamilton finished sixth, ahead of Oscar Piastri.
Austin is the first weekend in which Antonelli can clinch his first world title. He must win the race, with Russell finishing below eighth and Hamilton below fourth.
Sources 01
- SOURCELeclerc sets Austin practice pace from VerstappenBBC Sport F1
This article was produced with AI assistance. Source references make its supporting evidence traceable.
Read also
Verstappen conquers Singapore as Antonelli takes third and extends points lead
Verstappen holds off Leclerc to claim first Singapore Grand Prix win
Antonelli extends lead over Russell to 102 points; Mercedes 134 ahead of Ferrari
Verstappen takes first Singapore GP win as Hamilton’s gamble costs a podium
Verstappen takes 65.77% of votes in Singapore GP reader poll