Charles Leclerc sets the pace in opening Austin practice

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the pace at the start of the United States Grand Prix weekend, topping the timesheets at the end of the opening practice session at the Circuit of the Americas.

The Monegasque driver spent virtually the entire first hour of running in Austin at the top of the order, eventually setting a benchmark time of 1:36.052 on soft slicks. Leclerc edged out back-to-back race winner Max Verstappen by 0.084 seconds, with the Red Bull driver also using the soft compound for his quickest tour.

Reigning champion Lando Norris rounded out the top three, 0.245 seconds adrift, with Mercedes pair George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli slotting in directly behind. Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Austin history, finished sixth ahead of Oscar Piastri, Gabriel Bortoleto, Arvid Lindblad, and Liam Lawson, who completed the top 10.

Isack Hadjar and Carlos Sainz were the only drivers not to set their best times on soft tyres. Hadjar attempted several flying laps on the soft compound, but all were deleted due to track limits violations. During one of his runs, the Red Bull driver was also inadvertently impeded by championship leader Antonelli in the stadium section.

The opening session also featured Colton Herta, who stepped in for Sergio Perez at Cadillac. The American finished 21st, 3.927 seconds off Leclerc's pace and 0.926 seconds behind teammate Valtteri Bottas in 20th. Alexander Albon was the only driver classified behind them, failing to keep within track limits on his flying laps and ending the session without setting a valid time.

The United States Grand Prix weekend, Round 18 of the 2026 Formula 1 season, continues later today with Free Practice 2 at the Circuit of the Americas.