Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix as Verstappen extends his championship lead over Norris - Results

Charles Leclerc powered to victory at the US Grand Prix, leading Ferrari to a one-two finish, while Max Verstappen strengthened his grip on the championship standings. Leclerc's flawless performance marked his third victory of the season and his eighth career win in Formula 1, as he capitalized on early chaos between title contenders Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Starting from fourth on the grid, Leclerc seized his opportunity when a fierce battle broke out between polesitter Norris and second-placed Verstappen at Turn 1. The clash allowed the Monegasque driver to slip into the lead, and from that point on, he delivered a controlled and masterful drive. Leclerc's pace and strategy were unmatched, ensuring his triumphant finish at the Circuit of the Americas.

Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, secured second place, celebrating his second-best finish of the season after his earlier win in Australia. The result cemented a fantastic day for Ferrari, who had been struggling to keep up with the dominant Red Bull and resurgent McLaren teams for much of the year. Sainz’s consistency throughout the race helped Ferrari claim an impressive one-two finish, lifting the spirits of the Scuderia’s fans.

A fierce battle for P3!

The most thrilling aspect of the race, however, was the intense battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for the final spot on the podium. For the last 10 laps, the two drivers fought fiercely, exchanging positions in a captivating duel. Norris managed to cross the finish line in third place, but his moment of glory was short-lived.

A controversial move on lap 52, where Norris left the track and gained an advantage while overtaking Verstappen, resulted in a five-second time penalty for the McLaren driver. This penalty demoted Norris to fourth, allowing Verstappen to take third place and further extend his lead in the championship race.

Despite finishing behind the Ferrari duo, Verstappen’s third-place finish was enough to consolidate his position at the top of the driver standings. Meanwhile, Norris, though narrowly missing the podium, continued his strong season, holding his ground in the chase for the championship.

Leclerc’s win, along with Ferrari’s resurgence, adds excitement to the final leg of the season as the battle for supremacy intensifies. However, Verstappen remains in control, inching closer to yet another world title.

Here is the final result of US Grand Prix: