Charles Leclerc hands Ferrari boost as Max Verstappen outpaced in Austin FP1

Charles Leclerc has ended the first practice session of the United States Grand Prix on top of the timesheet, setting a 1:36.052 behind the wheel of his Ferrari.

The Circuit of the Americas hosts the 18th round of the 2026 campaign, with Max Verstappen entering the race after securing back-to-back wins in Malaysia and Singapore.

However, the four-time champion had to settle for second on the timesheet at the end of FP1, less than one-tenth down on Leclerc.

Lando Norris was the leading McLaren car as he rounded out the top three.

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Throughout the session, drivers struggled to keep their cars within the white lines, a common issue around the circuit in Austin.

As a result, many lap times were deleted as the drivers pushed to find the limit.

With the top three consisting of Leclerc, Verstappen and Norris, George Russell was fourth in his Mercedes.

He headed team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who enters the weekend with a chance to win the title for the first time.

Lewis Hamilton was sixth in the second Ferrari car, over half a second down on his session-leading team-mate.

Oscar Piastri was seventh for McLaren, ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, who had a positive opening outing of the weekend for Audi, setting the eighth-fastest time.

The top was rounded out by Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, with the two Racing Bulls targeting more points this weekend as it closes in on consolidating fifth in the constructors' championship.

Colton Herta was the only rookie driver to take part in the session as he jumped behind the wheel of Sergio Perez's Cadillac.

The American driver ended the session in 21st place, nine-tenths down on Valtteri Bottas.

He headed Alex Albon, whose only lap time came at the end of the session amid a test-focused outing for Williams.