Leclerc Leads Opening Practice at 2026 United States Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc topped first practice for the 2026 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas on Friday, 23 October. The Ferrari driver set a lap of 1:36.052, finishing 0.084 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and 0.245 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Ferrari Makes Strong Start
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli placed fourth and fifth for Mercedes, with Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton sixth. Oscar Piastri took seventh for McLaren and Gabriel Bortoleto was eighth for Audi. The times suggest a competitive weekend, although differences in fuel loads and programmes make practice results an imperfect guide to qualifying.
Track Limits Shape Session
Several drivers had lap times deleted for exceeding track limits, including Verstappen, whose quickest attempt was disallowed. Teams also used the session to collect data about tyre performance and track conditions.
Weekend Schedule
Austin uses a standard Grand Prix format in 2026, with two practice sessions on Friday, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday, 25 October. There is no Sprint race at the United States Grand Prix this weekend.
Sources: Formula 1 official FP1 report (23 October 2026) and official race timetable.