AUSTIN, Texas. – Charles Leclerc won the US Grand Prix in a Ferrari one-two with Carlos Sainz on Sunday (Monday in Manila) as Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen dealt Lando Norris a significant setback in their title battle.
The race at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas saw a thrilling late duel between the championship contenders ended in controversy, with McLaren’s Norris overtaking his rival for third place but then collecting a five-second penalty.
Verstappen’s podium left him 57 points clear with five rounds remaining.
Norris had passed Verstappen four laps from the end, after hunting his Dutch rival down on fresher tires, but was penalized for going off the track and gaining an advantage.
The overtake, and the stewards’ reaction, provided a major talking point.
“It’s a momentum killer. But we came in here with our mind open, not expecting to dominate or just win or anything,” said Norris, who had started on pole position.
“The one guy I need to beat is Max and that’s the guy I didn’t beat today. It was a non-successful weekend, all in all. But we gave it a good shot. I tried,” he added.
“It wasn’t good enough and we have work to do, and I have work to do myself.”
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fifth with Mercedes’ George Russell sixth and Sergio Perez seventh for Red Bull.
Nico Hulkenberg scored precious points for US-owned Haas in eighth while New Zealander Liam Lawson got off to a great return with Red Bull-owned RB with ninth place despite starting at the back of the grid.
Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto also continued his standout form with the final point for Williams.