Leclerc leads first practice session ahead of United States Grand Prix
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 23, 2026, 6:52 PM
Last updated Oct 23, 2026
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari recorded the fastest time in the first practice session at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 23, 2026. He finished 0.084 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Leclerc's time came as both teams trialed new upgrades, with Ferrari debuting a new floor design. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is in a position to clinch his first world title depending on race outcomes over the weekend, adding context to the session's competitive atmosphere. Further practices are scheduled before the race begins on October 25.
- •Leclerc was 0.084 seconds faster than Verstappen
- •Ferrari showed solid performance with a new floor upgrade
- •Kimi Antonelli could clinch the title if conditions are met
- •Mercedes continues to adjust its car's setup after upgrades
- •Next practice sessions are scheduled before the race on October 25
- 7:41 PMESPN F1 — Leclerc goes fastest in first practice in Austin
- 6:44 PMYahoo Sports — Leclerc sets Austin practice pace from Verstappen
- 6:43 PMRacer — Leclerc tops Verstappen in opening U.S. GP practice
- 6:41 PMBBC Sport — Leclerc sets Austin practice pace from Verstappen
- 6:40 PMAutosport — F1 United States GP: Leclerc beats Verstappen to top FP1 in upgraded Ferrari
"Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc pipped Red Bull's Max Verstappen to top first practice at Formula 1's United States Grand Prix in Austin. Leclerc was just under a tenth faster than Verstappen in an upgraded Ferrari as he aims to deny the Dutchman and his in-form Red Bull team a hat-track of grand prix wins. On a hot Circuit of the Americas, Ferrari hit the ground running as it trialled its ...Keep reading
"Charles Leclerc edged Max Verstappen to top the first practice session for the U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas.
"Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is fastest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen in first practice at the United States Grand Prix.
Sources
External links- ESPN F1Oct 23, 2026, 7:41 PMLeclerc goes fastest in first practice in Austin
Charles Leclerc set the pace in the first practice session at the United States Grand Prix.
- Yahoo SportsOct 23, 2026, 6:44 PMLeclerc sets Austin practice pace from Verstappen
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is fastest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen in first practice at the United States Grand Prix.
- RacerOct 23, 2026, 6:43 PMLeclerc tops Verstappen in opening U.S. GP practice
Charles Leclerc edged Max Verstappen to top the first practice session for the U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas.
- BBC SportOct 23, 2026, 6:41 PMLeclerc sets Austin practice pace from Verstappen
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is fastest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen in first practice at the United States Grand Prix.
- AutosportOct 23, 2026, 6:40 PMF1 United States GP: Leclerc beats Verstappen to top FP1 in upgraded Ferrari
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc pipped Red Bull's Max Verstappen to top first practice at Formula 1's United States Grand Prix in Austin. Leclerc was just under a tenth faster than Verstappen in an upgraded Ferrari as he aims to deny the Dutchman and his in-form Red Bull team a hat-track of grand prix wins. On a hot Circuit of the Americas, Ferrari hit the ground running as it trialled its ...Keep reading
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