Leclerc Tops Friday Practice at COTA as Antonelli Eyes Maiden F1 Title
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli holds a 102-point advantage over George Russell, with a mathematical chance to clinch his first world title at the United States Grand Prix.
The story
Friday practice for the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas saw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the pace, topping both FP1 and FP2 sessions. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, was close behind, just 0.042 seconds off Leclerc's best time in FP2.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished third fastest in FP2, voiced significant concerns about the resurfaced but still bumpy track, describing the situation as "out of control" and raising fears of spinal damage for drivers. Ferrari introduced a small floor upgrade, which Leclerc reported worked as expected, though teammate Lewis Hamilton found his car's setup challenging over the bumps.
Meanwhile, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled with handling issues, with Norris suggesting the circuit's condition might not meet current homologation standards for a new track. The weekend could see Antonelli secure his first world championship if he wins and other results, specifically those of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, go his way.
Championship
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 340 |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 238 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 229 |
| 4 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 221 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 215 |
Next race
The Formula 1 season continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This 18th round of the championship offers Kimi Antonelli his first mathematical opportunity to clinch the World Drivers' Championship.
Max Verstappen arrives in Austin with strong momentum, having won the two previous Grand Prix. The Circuit of the Americas is known for its challenging layout, featuring high-speed esses and significant elevation changes, alongside its notoriously bumpy surface.
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