Charles Leclerc Tops US GP FP1 Amid FIA Low-Grip Testing

Charles Leclerc topped the timing sheets in the opening practice session for the 2026 United States Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen in a session defined by tight margins and technical scrutiny. While raw speed was the headline, the session concluded with a mandatory FIA simulation to address ongoing power unit software vulnerabilities.

Why it matters:

The narrow gap between the top three manufacturers—Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren—highlights a highly converged grid entering the final stages of the 2026 season. Furthermore, the FIA's insistence on low-grip mode testing indicates that the software instabilities witnessed earlier this season in Sepang remain a critical priority for the governing body and PU manufacturers to resolve before the championship concludes.

The details:

• Session Results: Leclerc led the field, followed closely by Verstappen (+0.084s) and Lando Norris, confirming that the SF-26 remains a primary pace benchmark.
• Technical Experiments: Cadillac's Colton Herta drew attention with a unique double rear aero rake on the MAC-26, while Mercedes introduced specific upgrades to George Russell's car following Singapore experiments.
• Operational Hurdles: Max Verstappen reported steering friction when turning left and is transitioning to new race engineer Tom Hart. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg encountered "weird behavior" from his Audi power unit.
• Driver Struggles: George Russell faced stability issues, including three-wheeling and a Turn 1 excursion, complicating his slim title aspirations.

The big picture:

The debate over the 2026 performance benchmark is intensifying, with the Ferrari SF-26 and Red Bull RB22 locked in a struggle for dominance. With Kimi Antonelli showing competitive flashes in the Mercedes W17 and McLaren remaining a constant threat, the competitive landscape is more volatile than ever as the triple-header begins.

What's next:

Attention now shifts to the remaining practice sessions to see if the FIA's low-grip mode refinements are successful. The primary focus for teams will be whether Mercedes can stabilize Russell's car and if Ferrari can maintain their edge over Verstappen's Red Bull heading into qualifying.