Leclerc leads Antonelli in both US Grand Prix practice sessions

Charles Leclerc set the pace in both Friday practice sessions for the United States Grand Prix, finishing the second 0.042 seconds ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

Max Verstappen was third, 0.189 seconds behind Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton fourth and George Russell fifth. Lando Norris was seventh after making a mistake at Turn 16 and failing to record a time on his soft-tyre qualifying simulation. Oscar Piastri was eighth.

Antonelli can clinch his first world title in Austin only if he wins Sunday’s race, Russell finishes lower than eighth and Hamilton lower than fourth. The opening practice session had also been led by Leclerc, with Verstappen second.

McLaren brought the first of three planned consecutive upgrades to Austin. Mercedes has returned both cars to a revised specification introduced two races ago, while Ferrari’s update is a new floor. Hamilton said Ferrari’s changes were “less than a tenth” and might not be enough to close the gap, though he added that the track could suit the car.