Ferrari’s One-Two Triumph in US Grand Prix
AUSTIN: Charles Leclerc led Carlos Sainz home as Ferrari claimed a resounding one-two triumph in Sunday’s US Grand Prix after Lando Norris was relegated to fourth, having finished third on track ahead of title rival Max Verstappen who took the third podium spot.
Championship Standings Update
Verstappe has now extended his lead over Norris to 57 points in the drivers’ championship with five races left this season.
Racing Highlights
Leclerc came home 8.562s ahead of Sainz with Verstappen third, adrift by 19.412s, leaving Norris fourth ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and George Russell of Mercedes who finished sixth after starting from the pitlane.
Sergio Perez was seventh in the second Red Bull ahead of Nico Hulkenberg of Haas, Liam Lawson of RB, and Franco Colapinto of Williams.
Post-Race Statements
Leclerc said: "It wasn’t an easy weekend up to now, I have been struggling with the feeling with the car, but I had confidence in the race. I am really happy with today, a 1-2 for the team, we couldn’t have dreamed for better."
Verstappen said: "It was a difficult race for me. I never had the pace to attack and defending was quite difficult with understeer. It was a tough battle and tough to keep him (Norris) behind but it’s a great result. I have my opinion about his move, but I’ll leave it to the stewards. I don’t need to say anything here."
Eventful Opening Lap
Norris made a good initial start from his fourth pole in five races, but left a critical gap on the inside which encouraged Verstappen to attack, forcing them both wide and allowing Leclerc to snatch the lead from fourth on the grid as they came through Turn One.
Safety Car Intervention
The race resumed on lap five, Leclerc pulling away to build his lead to three seconds by lap 10 with Verstappen resisting Sainz, who reported possible fuel problems and a loss of power. Norris stayed fourth ahead of McLaren teammate Piastri.
Pit Stops and tyre strategy
By lap 20, as first the pit-stops began, Leclerc was 8.3s clear of Verstappen with Sainz third, 1.3 adrift of the Dutchman. Norris was 3.6 adrift in fourth.
Sainz came in on lap 21 for hards, rejoining sixth. Verstappen stayed out until lap 26 rejoining fifth, Ferrari having executed their undercut. Leclerc then came in on lap 27 for hards, leaving Norris and Piastri leading the way. He was third.
Duel for Third
As Norris pulled clear, Piastri frustrated Leclerc until lap 31 when Norris pitted. He rejoined fifth behind Verstappen and ahead of sixth-placed Russell who had not stopped.
A lap later, Piastri pitted and order was restored with the Ferraris, led by Leclerc, in control ahead of Verstappen and both McLarens.
Conclusion
Ferrari’s one-two triumph has given them a boost in the constructors’ championship, while Leclerc’s victory is a significant win for the team.
FAQs
Q: How did the teams perform in the US Grand Prix?
A: Ferrari claimed a one-two triumph, with Leclerc winning and Sainz finishing second.
Q: What was the outcome of the duel for third place?
A: Norris finished third, but was later penalized five seconds for gaining an advantage by leaving the track to pass Verstappen.
Q: How has the drivers’ championship standings been affected?
A: Verstappen has extended his lead over Norris to 57 points with five races remaining in the season.
Q: What were the key moments in the race?
A: The eventful opening lap, the safety car intervention, and the pit stops and tyre strategy were all significant factors in the race’s outcome.