Hamilton leads final practice as Verstappen takes second in Austin

Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the final practice session for the United States Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen second, just under two-tenths of a second behind. The session offered a final look at pace before qualifying in Austin.

Verstappen set a best lap of 1:35.061 at the Circuit of the Americas. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third in 1:35.127, while Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar finished tenth.

Hamilton’s session-leading time followed Leclerc’s fastest laps in the first two practices. Verstappen had also been second in the opening session, when Leclerc led by 0.084 seconds. The earlier practice results had put Verstappen third in the second session.

The Dutch report said Verstappen had complained about his car and struggled with the bumpy circuit during Friday practice. He has won the past two races, in Malaysia and Singapore, and has four victories in Texas.

Qualifying was scheduled for 23:00 Dutch time, ahead of Sunday’s race. Kimi Antonelli leads the championship on 340 points and could secure the title in Austin if he wins, George Russell scores no more than two points and Hamilton finishes no higher than fifth. Five Grands Prix remain after the race.