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Charles Leclerc Fastest in US GP FP1 as FIA Holds Unusual Test
Leclerc edged Verstappen by 0.084 seconds as Ferrari and Red Bull traded pace before the FIA tested low-grip software protections.
- Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc led the opening practice session for the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, posting a 1m36.052s lap; Red Bull driver Max Verstappen followed in second, with McLaren's Lando Norris completing the top three.
- Verstappen had previously called the Austin track's bumps 'unacceptable,' and drivers struggled with track limits throughout the session; Turns 12 and 19 proved particularly problematic, with several drivers losing lap times due to violations.
- The FIA conducted a low-grip mode simulation at Turn 15 during the session to test software protections, while rookie driver Colton Herta made an appearance for Cadillac, replacing Sergio Perez for the practice hour.
- Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured fifth place, finishing just ahead of teammate George Russell; the session also fueled ongoing debates about whether the Ferrari SF-26 or Red Bull RB22 remains the current F1 benchmark.
- Outside the track, Renault has finalized the sale of its Viry-Chatillon facilities to the Belgian company Dumarey Group, effectively ending the manufacturer's long-standing involvement in developing Formula 1 engines.
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42 Articles
42 Articles
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Kimi Antonelli doesn't drive fast enough, it's not enough for place one. In the first free practice before the eventual title decision, a Ferrari driver is the fastest.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources42
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
L 30%
C 70%
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