The Texan city of Austin has a new sheriff: Charles Leclerc. The predestined Monegasque Formula 1 driver wins the <a href="http://www.world-today-news.com/circuit-of-the-americas-profile-united-states-gp/" title="Circuit of the Americas profile – United States GP”>United States Grand Prix on the “Circuit of the Americas”, triumphing ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz. And for the fans of the “Red” from Maranello it is a great celebration. On the other hand, a double for the Prancing Horse doesn’t happen every day, especially in light of the difficulties revealed in this and previous seasons. And if this is Ferrari, with 5 GPs still to go, the fans can dream of Leclerc on the top of the world: currently, the Monegasque is -79 behind Verstappen, leader of the drivers’ standings.
Career success number 8 for the “Principino”, the third for him in 2024 after Monaco and Monza. Leclerc therefore equals the record established in 2022. While for Ferrari this is victory number 247. And the one seen on American soil is truly a science fiction Ferrari. Other important numbers: 87th one-two in the history of Formula 1. A one-two result of impeccable driving by the two drivers.
However, the management of the race strategy from the Maranello company’s side of the wall was also amazing. Third place for world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutchman from Red Bull was overtaken in the final laps by Lando Norris’ McLaren, at the end of an exciting duel, but the British driver was penalized 5 seconds for the maneuver carried out; he gained an advantage by going off the track. And now Verstappen has a 57 point lead over Norris in the drivers’ standings. The Flying Dutchman is at 354, Lando at 297 and Leclerc at 275.
The other placings in the top ten. Fifth place for Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren, ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes and Sergio Perez’s Red Bull. Eighth place for Nico Hulkenberg on the Haas. World championship points also for the New Zealander Liam Lawson with Racing Bull (a sweet return to the track for him) and for the Argentinian Franco Colapinto with Williams. Great race for the British Russell who started from the pit lane.
The departure and immediate disappointment for Lewis Hamilton. The “Black King” of Formula 1, in fact, ends up in the gravel on the third lap. Tire question: at the start the entire first half of the grid is on medium compound, at the rear hard tires for the two Mercedes of Hamilton himself and Russell, as well as for Stroll, Colapinto and Lawson. Leclerc mocks Norris (started from pole) and Verstappen (started from the front row alongside the Englishman): the two arguing hinder each other and the Ferrari driver takes the lead towards his third triumph of the season. The Mexican GP next Sunday.
