Source: Official Team Post via X
Leclerc Leads the Pack in FP1 at US Grand Prix as FIA Tests Low Grip Mode
Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the first practice session of the United States Grand Prix, narrowly edging out Max Verstappen. The session concluded with a unique FIA low grip mode simulation, adding an unusual twist.
Charles Leclerc set the fastest time during the opening practice session of the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, clocking in just 0.084 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Lando Norris rounded out the top three for McLaren. The session wasn’t just about speed, as the FIA conducted a low grip mode test at the end, a move seen as part of the ongoing strategy to address issues similar to those witnessed in Sepang.
The weekend's triple-header kicked off with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli potentially eyeing his first title win. Meanwhile, Colton Herta, driving for Cadillac on home turf, made an early start with a distinctive double rear aero rake on his car.
Verstappen, who had previously criticized the track's notorious bumps, started the session on hard Pirelli tires, while Norris led early with a 1:38.715 on mediums. Verstappen reported some initial steering difficulties, particularly when turning left. This weekend, his race engineer role is temporarily filled by Tom Hart, who is set to permanently replace the McLaren-bound GianPiero Lambiase.
Lewis Hamilton briefly took the lead with a time of 1:37.2 as the Ferraris began to push. Isack Hadjar stirred up some debate by questioning whether Ferrari's SF-26 or Red Bull's RB22 holds the title of F1's 2026 benchmark.
Norris was on a strong lap, going purple through the first two sectors, only to be slowed by a Red Bull preparing for a push lap at the final corner. Meanwhile, George Russell experienced some odd sensations in his Mercedes, which was equipped with upgrades following experiments in Singapore.
As the session approached its midpoint, Leclerc topped the charts with a 1:36.761. The competition heated up with the soft tires making their appearance. Audi's Nico Hulkenberg encountered some 'weird behavior' from his power unit, needing further investigation.
Leclerc managed to shave off another seven-tenths on the soft tires. Hamilton's attempt faltered early on with a slide at Turn 1. Verstappen climbed to second, squeezing between the Ferraris, while Antonelli slotted into third, nudging Hamilton down another spot.
Norris, going purple again in Sector 2, secured third on the softs, ensuring representation from Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes in the top four. Russell had to delay his challenge after locking up at Turn 1, a fate shared by Williams' Alex Albon.
Verstappen reclaimed the top spot with a 1:35.860, while Russell eventually moved into fourth. Antonelli was struggling with the W17 on soft tires, and Hamilton couldn't keep his Ferrari in check at Turn 19.
The session wrapped up with Leclerc leading, followed by Verstappen and Norris. The FIA's low grip mode test involved running cars at reduced speeds at Turn 15, experimenting with software protections. This test was part of the FIA's ongoing refinements to Power Unit software, aiming to enhance performance in low grip conditions.