The 2024 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix saw Charles Leclerc clinching victory for Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz taking the second spot, while Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place.
Race Start and Early Moves
Most drivers opted for medium tires at the start, while those starting from the back like Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto chose the hard compound. Lando Norris maintained his lead at the start, closely followed by Max Verstappen. As the two drivers battled through the first corner, Charles Leclerc seized the opportunity, overtaking both to take the lead, with Sainz also passing Norris to chase Verstappen. Meanwhile, Hamilton made a swift advance, gaining five positions.
Key Moments: Incidents and Battles
During the third lap, while the duel between Verstappen and Sainz continued, Hamilton spun out and got stuck in the gravel, leading to his retirement and the deployment of the Safety Car. Once the race resumed, Leclerc managed to widen the gap before DRS was enabled. Sainz, experiencing power loss and a fuel smell from his car, received instructions to make adjustments and continue racing.
Pit Stops and Intense Competition
On lap 22, Sainz pitted for hard tires and rejoined in fifth. Shortly after, Verstappen followed suit, re-entering just behind Sainz. A lap later, Leclerc pitted and returned in third place behind Norris and Piastri. By lap 31, Leclerc passed Piastri to regain second position, and soon after, retook the lead.
Towards the end, a fierce battle unfolded between Norris and Verstappen. Norris closed the gap to under a second and made several attempts to pass Verstappen. On lap 52, Norris briefly took the lead but Verstappen quickly reclaimed the position. After a tough defensive battle that saw both drivers running off track, Norris received a 5-second penalty for gaining an advantage.
Ferrari’s Triumph and Top 10 Finishers
Leclerc took the victory with a 7-second margin, followed by Sainz. Due to the penalty, Norris fell behind Verstappen, allowing the Dutchman to secure third place. The top 10 was rounded out by Norris, Piastri, Russell, Perez, Hulkenberg, Lawson, and Colapinto.