Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari their first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix victory since 2018 with a brilliant start and a scintillating performance on Sunday, and Max Verstappen extended his lead at the top of the standings by finishing third, ahead of Lando Norris.
Verstappen (Red Bull) took the podium thanks to a five-second penalty awarded to Norris (McLaren) for an off-track overtaking move at the Dutchman’s expense.
Verstappen immediately complained about the move on the radio, while Norris insisted his rival had also exceeded the track limit.
“It was a tough battle,” Verstappen admitted. “I did everything I could to keep him behind. To be on the podium is a good result. I have my opinion [on the penalty], but I will let the stewards do their job.”
The battle went on for several laps as both drivers looked to secure a podium finish. The penalty relegated Norris to fourth, costing him valuable points in the title fight.
Verstappen’s lead now stands at 57 points with five grands prix remaining in the season, including two sprint races.
Leclerc earned his third win of the season, helping Ferrari to a one-two finish as Carlos Sainz Jr. finished second. Kimi Raikkonen was the last Scuderia driver to win at the Circuit of the Americas, in 2018.
“We couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Leclerc said. “It was a bit of a lonely race, but a good kind of solitude.”
The main battle of the race took place behind the red cars, as Verstappen and Norris fought for every inch for a dozen laps.
Verstappen has not won a grand prix since June and Norris has since quietly closed the gap, with the three-time world champion adding five points to his lead in Texas.
Norris started from pole with Verstappen alongside him. Their battle at the first corner saw Leclerc move from fourth to first.
Quebecer Lance Stroll started in 13th position and was 12th when the safety car came out after Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) went off the track. He himself missed a corner on the restart, sliding to 19th and last position.
With Aston Martin’s pace clearly lacking, the 25-year-old Montrealer was never able to crack the top 10, finishing 15th . His teammate Fernando Alonso, who started seventh, finished 13th .
“We lacked pace compared to the other cars,” Stroll said, according to an Aston Martin statement. “I was a bit messy on the restart, with a stall at turn 10 , but I think even without that the result would have been the same.”
The Mexican Grand Prix will take place next weekend.
Leave a Reply