Leclerc tops first practice in the US

Ferrari set the fastest time with Charles Leclerc in the first practice session of the United States Grand Prix. Leclerc, in his updated car, set a lap of 1 minute 36.052 seconds to get ahead of Red Bull's in-form driver Max Verstappen. Verstappen trailed by 0.084 seconds despite winning the last two races. A quicker lap by Verstappen was cancelled for track limits.

Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all made changes to their cars in the opening session at the Circuit of the Americas. Ferrari's package features new floor, sidepods and diffuser. Lando Norris finished third for McLaren. The team is trying to regain its form after difficult recent races.

In the world championship, leader Mercedes has no new update in Austin. Its drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, are using the package introduced in Malaysia two races ago. Antonelli could win Sunday's race this weekend and become the 2026 world champion if he and his teammate Lewis Hamilton fail to score enough points. Antonelli was fifth in the first practice and Russell fourth. Hamilton finished sixth.

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle said the gap between the leading teams is very narrow. Brundle said Ferrari appeared to have a small advantage but noted it was still early. Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi was the best of the midfield teams in eighth place. However, Bortoleto will start Sunday's race from the back of the grid because he has exceeded the season's permitted usage of engine components.

The second practice session will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 on Friday at 22:00. Qualifying laps will also start at the same time on Saturday.