Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc edged out Kimi Antonelli to complete a Friday practice double at the United States Grand Prix.
After narrowly topping Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the opening session, Leclerc improved by almost eight tenths of a second later in the day to finish 0.042s clear of Mercedes’ Antonelli, who could become Formula 1’s youngest ever world champion on Sunday.
Verstappen appears to be in contention to extend his streak of two successive victories after finishing the second session in third, within a couple of tenths of Leclerc’s leading time of 1:35.291s.
Lewis Hamilton was unable to match his team-mate Leclerc’s pace all day, and had to settle for fourth as he finished more than six tenths back from the Monegasque.
George Russell was given a black and white flag for forcing Charles Leclerc off track during second practice at the United States Grand Prix.
George Russell was fifth in the other Mercedes, but will also be looking for overnight answers as he finished seven tenths back from his team-mate.
Antonelli could clinch his maiden title if he wins on Sunday, and Russell and Hamilton do not score sufficient points to stay in mathematical contention.
McLaren suffered a disappointing day as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished seventh and eighth, with both failing to deliver clean laps on their soft-tyre runs.
Max Verstappen made this cheeky move on Liam Lawson as he came out of the pit lane and nips around the outside on the RB first corner.
Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull have each brought upgrades to the event, while Mercedes are still trying to optimise the package they brought two rounds ago in Malaysia that has so far failed to deliver the improvement they anticipated.
Ferrari’s package, which featured updates to the car’s floor, sidepod and diffuser, appeared to offer hope the Italian team could end a run of eight races without victory.
There was early drama in the session as Russell was investigated for forcing Leclerc off track, but the stewards decided that there had been “nothing dangerous” in the manoeuvre as no further action was taken.
Ted Kravitz talks through Ferrari’s fourth and final upgrades for the United States Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s team-mate Isack Hadjar cut a frustrated figure over team radio as he could only manage ninth, with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson taking advantage to claim an impressive sixth.
Williams suffered a torrid afternoon as Carlos Sainz was 20th and team-mate Alex Albon 22nd as their car struggled to meet the challenges of the high-speed circuit.
Sky Sports F1’s live United States GP schedule
Saturday October 24
6.15pm: United States Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)
8.30pm: United States Grand Prix Qualifying build-up*
10pm: UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
12am: F1 Academy Race 2*
12.45am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday October 25
5pm: F1 Academy Race 3
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: United States GP build-up*
8pm: THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX*
10pm: Chequered Flag: United States GP reaction
11pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to The Americas for another triple-header with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
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