Charles Leclerc speeds through Austin on Friday. The Monegasque from Ferrari is in command of both free practice sessions of the United States Grand Prix, on the weekend that could lead Andrea Kimi Antonelli to win the first Formula 1 title of his career at the age of 20. The Italian from Mercedes, who to secure the World Championship in Austin would have to win the GP and hope for a negative result from Russell (no better than ninth) and Hamilton (no better than fifth), recorded the second best time of the day, lapping just 42 thousandths behind Leclerc who clocked 1’35″291 in FP2. Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was also constant at the top, third at the end of the day ahead of the other Red Bull of Lewis Hamilton, which improved on the sixth place arrived a few hours earlier in the first session. He is followed by George Russell, Antonelli’s main pursuer today with a gap of 102 points, who finishes on Friday with the fifth fastest time. A day-1 that smiles on Ferrari, who brought the last important package of aerodynamic updates of the season to Austin, but not only that. There are many who want to compete for a top position, as also confirmed by Lewis Hamilton: «Red Bull was very fast and I don’t see why the situation should change here. but I think we can fight for the top positions”, his words on the eve of the GP.
Meanwhile, the official announcement of three certain penalties on Sunday’s starting grid (race at 9pm Italian time). Gabriel Bortoleto has to serve 20 positions for the use of the fourth battery and the fourth control unit, Franco Colapinto of 10 for the use of the fourth control unit, while Arvid Lindblad of five due to the use of the sixth internal combustion engine. On Saturday we start at 7.30 pm Italian time with the third and final free practice session, while at 11 pm it will be the turn of qualifying, where the starting grid of the race will be decided.