Max Verstappen shows strong start in practice at US Grand Prix
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 24, 2026, 8:10 AM
Last updated Oct 24, 2026

Max Verstappen concluded Friday's practice sessions at the Circuit of the Americas for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in second and third places. He noted a solid performance despite Red Bull's need to improve low-speed handling and management of track bumps. Charles Leclerc's pace set a benchmark during the sessions, with Verstappen indicating there is still work ahead to fine-tune the car's balance. Technical director Pierre Waché emphasized the focus on low-speed performance ahead of qualifying, acknowledging issues with the car's reaction to the bumpy track conditions.
- •Verstappen finished practice sessions second and third overall
- •He reported positive early signs despite challenges with car balance
- •Red Bull aims to improve low-speed performance and bump management
- •Charles Leclerc set the fastest times in both practice sessions
- •Qualifying approaches with essential adjustments needed for Verstappen
- 8:10 AMYahoo Sports — Red Bull identifies two "key focus" areas after Max Verstappen's promising start in Austin
"Verstappen concludes that Friday at the Circuit of the Americas was "not a bad day at all". Alongside the extreme bumps, technical director Pierre Waché pinpoints another important area for Red Bull to focus on
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