Leclerc Tops Tight FP2 as McLaren Struggles at COTA

Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in a blistering second practice session for the 2026 United States Grand Prix, narrowly beating championship leader Kimi Antonelli. While Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull appear locked in a dead heat, McLaren faced a frustrating afternoon struggling for grip at the Circuit of The Americas.

Why it matters:

With the 2026 title race intensifying, the minimal gap between the top three teams indicates that no single constructor holds a dominant advantage at COTA. More critically, the sudden dip in McLaren's performance is alarming, as they struggled to find the balance required for the track's punishing and bumpy layout.

The details:

• The Pace: Leclerc clocked a 1m35.291s, edging out Antonelli by a mere 0.042s, with Max Verstappen trailing by 0.189s.
• Mid-Field Surprises: Liam Lawson delivered a standout performance for Racing Bulls, securing sixth and putting pressure on the established frontrunners.
• McLaren's Struggle: Lando Norris (7th) and Oscar Piastri (8th) were roughly a second off the pace, plagued by handling issues and a lack of rear-end stability.
• Track Conditions: COTA's fast opening-sector Esses proved treacherous, causing George Russell to momentarily lose control before recovering to finish fifth.

What's next:

Teams will now pivot from qualifying simulations to long-run data to optimize race strategy. The primary question remains whether McLaren can resolve their grip issues before qualifying, or if the weekend will be a straight three-way fight between Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull.