Leclerc sets Austin practice pace from Verstappen

Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in first practice for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, finishing 0.084 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. The result puts Ferrari at the front early in the weekend, while attention is also on Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who has a chance to clinch his first world title at this race.

Antonelli was fifth, 0.481 seconds off the pace, behind Lando Norris and George Russell; Lewis Hamilton was sixth and Oscar Piastri seventh. Antonelli can secure the championship only by winning, with Russell finishing below eighth and Hamilton below fourth. Mercedes have returned to an upgraded car specification and hope three practice sessions will help them find a stronger set-up, while Ferrari have introduced a new floor that Hamilton said was worth only around half a tenth.