Charles Leclerc concluded Friday’s running at the Circuit of the Americas as the fastest driver, topping both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 sessions for the 2026 United States Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver’s best time in FP2 was 1:35.291.
Leclerc was 0.042 seconds quicker than Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli in the second practice session. Antonelli, the runaway championship leader, has the opportunity to clinch his first Formula 1 world title this weekend.
To secure the championship, the 20-year-old Italian must win Sunday’s race. This scenario also requires his Mercedes teammate George Russell to finish ninth or lower, and Lewis Hamilton to place outside the top four.
Ferrari introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade package for the SF-26 at the Austin event. This marks the team’s fourth and most substantial aerodynamic development of the 2026 season.
The upgrades focus on increasing floor downforce, enhancing energy levels, and improving flow stability towards the rear of the car. The package includes an updated board brace layout and a redesigned front floor leading edge.
Further modifications involve the inboard vertical and horizontal board elements, a reshaped sidepod inlet and undercut, and a revised diffuser. Ferrari aims to improve aerodynamic stability and tyre management, providing a more predictable car for Leclerc and Hamilton.
This Austin package is the final large-scale development planned for the SF-26, as the team’s focus shifts towards the 2027 car. Leclerc ran the new package in FP1, while Hamilton used the older specification for comparison.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured the third-fastest time in FP2, finishing 0.189 seconds behind Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, was fourth quickest, over six tenths adrift of his teammate Leclerc.
George Russell placed fifth for Mercedes. He experienced a near-miss with Leclerc during the early stages of FP2 and had a soft-tyre lap deleted for exceeding track limits.
Liam Lawson delivered an impressive performance for Racing Bulls, securing sixth position. Lawson is currently ninth in the F1 drivers’ standings and is contracted to Racing Bulls until at least the end of 2026.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished seventh and eighth respectively. Isack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull, was ninth.
Hadjar joined Red Bull for the 2026 season, replacing Yuki Tsunoda, and is contracted until at least the end of 2027. He has achieved two podium finishes in his 14 starts with the team.
Ollie Bearman rounded out the top 10 for Haas. Bearman is a full-time Haas driver for 2025 and is contracted through the 2027 season. He has accumulated 23 points this season.
Cadillac and Williams were among the slowest teams during the session. Cadillac, a new entrant in 2026, has yet to score a point this season.
The team has faced initial challenges, including brake issues and a general lack of pace. Cadillac introduced new floor fences and an updated sidepod design in Austin.
Valtteri Bottas finished 19th for Cadillac, ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez, who was 21st. Perez is a full-time Cadillac driver for the 2026 season.
Colton Herta deputised for Cadillac in FP1, driving Perez’s car. Herta serves as Cadillac’s test driver for 2026 and is competing in Formula 2.
He is one Super Licence point away from being eligible for a Formula 1 race seat in 2027. Alex Albon, driving for Williams, finished last in FP2.
Williams has endured a difficult 2026 season, with the car proving challenging to drive and falling short of expectations. Albon’s contract with Williams was extended in August 2026, securing his position until the end of 2027.
