The Spaniard Carlos Sainz achieved the best time on Friday on Ferrari in the only free practice session for the United States Grand Prix, 19th round of the Formula 1 World Championship, ahead of his teammate, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc.
The Scuderia’s SF-24s are ahead of the leader of the world championship, the Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 3rd in front of his rival overall, the Briton Lando Norris (McLaren). Followed by the other McLaren, that of Oscar Piastri and the two Mercedes of the British Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Among the French, Pierre Gasly set the 12th best time, his Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon the 17th time. Behind Gasly, New Zealander Liam Lawson, who will compete in his first Grand Prix of the season on Sunday, replacing the very popular Australian Daniel Ricciardo, finished 13th at the wheel of his Racing Bulls.
6 rounds in 8 weeks
The Grand Prix of the United States of America is the fourth of the six rounds of the year to offer a sprint format, which modifies the course of the weekend (sprint qualification at 11:30 p.m. French, sprint and qualification on Saturday).
For the final marathon of six rounds in eight weeks, most teams have made a series of improvements to their cars, like Red Bull which is seeking to reduce the gap with McLaren, which has taken the lead in the world championship. builders in mid-September.
Among the drivers, Verstappen is currently 52 points ahead of Norris (331 points against 279 points), while up to 34 points (compared to 26 usually) will be to be gleaned this weekend thanks to the sprint.
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