PRACTICE LIVE United States Grand Prix Circuit of the Americas · Austin, TX

Red Bull Racing RB21 Max Verstappen 1/18 diecast model car at Pro Merch

Leclerc Leads FP1 in Austin as Verstappen Lurks

Ferrari’s upgraded aero package sets the pace at the Circuit of the Americas, with a title bid brewing at Mercedes.

Pro Merch News · Friday, October 23, 2026

Practice sessions are underway at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, for the United States Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc topped the charts for Ferrari in the first free practice session (FP1) earlier today, edging out championship contender Max Verstappen.

Running an upgraded aerodynamic package on his Ferrari, Leclerc posted a session-best lap of 1:36.052. Verstappen finished a close second for Red Bull, just 0.084 seconds off the pace, despite reporting a minor steering friction issue early on.

FP1 by the Numbers

1:36.052Leclerc’s session-best lap in the upgraded Ferrari

+0.084sVerstappen’s gap to the top, in a close second

0.481scovers the top five, split among the grid-leading teams

Top Five & Their Gear

Charles Leclerc

FERRARI

1:36.052

Fastest in FP1 with an upgraded aerodynamic package on his Ferrari.

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Max Verstappen

RED BULL

+0.084s

Just 0.084 seconds off the pace despite reporting a minor steering friction issue early on.

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Lando Norris

McLAREN

+0.245s

McLaren’s Norris rounds out the top three.

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George Russell

MERCEDES

+0.326s

Fourth in FP1, completing a top four split among the sport’s grid-leading teams.

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Kimi Antonelli

MERCEDES

+0.481s

All eyes remain on Mercedes’ young championship leader, who has a mathematical opportunity to secure his maiden drivers’ world title this weekend. He finished the opening session in fifth place.