Leclerc tops both United States Grand Prix practices, Antonelli could clinch the title early

Leclerc fastest in Austin

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time in both Friday practice sessions of the United States Grand Prix. In the second session, the 29-year-old Monegasque, who won in Austin two years ago, lapped in 1 minute 35.291 seconds, beating the 20-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes by 0.042 seconds. Third was four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, 0.189 seconds behind. Leclerc, whose wife Alexandra Saint-Mleux is expecting their first child, also topped the morning's first practice ahead of Verstappen.

Antonelli close to a historic title

Antonelli could clinch the championship title as early as this weekend: for that he needs to win, while his rivals fail to stay within the points. In that case he would become the youngest Formula 1 champion in history and the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari, who won the title for Ferrari in 1953. According to AFP, Antonelli's teammate George Russell, if he wins, needs to finish in the top 8, and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari in the top 4, to keep their title hopes alive.

How the second practice unfolded and the penalties

Verstappen, winner of the last two races, overtook Racing Bulls' Lawson right after the pit lane opened at the first corner and set a 1:36.581. Antonelli complained that his seat was 'rocking back and forth', which is why he stopped early in the garage for repairs — his absence from the track became a delay that rivals took advantage of, although after returning the Italian immediately went third fastest. Russell received the black-and-white flag for driving standards after contact with Leclerc, whom he appeared to push off the track. In the qualifying simulations on soft tyres, Leclerc set a 1:35.291, Hamilton was fourth, six tenths behind, and Antonelli second. Between the sessions, grid penalties were confirmed: five places for Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, ten for Franco Colapinto of Alpine and twenty for Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi — all for exceeding the limits on new power unit components. The top 10 was completed by Russell (fifth), Lawson (sixth), world champions Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren (seventh and eighth), Isack Hadjar (ninth) and Oliver Bearman of Haas (tenth).

What it means

Friday results guarantee nothing in the race, but they show that the title fight may unfold precisely between Antonelli, Verstappen and Russell — all three were among the fastest, and Verstappen has won the last two races. For fans, Sunday's race will be the key: a win for Antonelli combined with poor results from his rivals would end the championship race early, while the penalties for Lindblad, Colapinto and Bortoleto will already directly change the starting order. For now, the data is limited to a single Friday — qualifying and the race will show the real picture.