US Grand Prix 2024: Ferrari dominates FP1 as Verstappen-Norris fights for crucial championship points

The 2024 United States Grand Prix kicked off with Ferrari showcasing dominance in the first practice session (FP1) at the Circuit of the Americas, setting a promising tone for the weekend. Carlos Sainz led the charge, clocking a blistering lap time of 1:33.602 to take the top spot on the timing charts. He edged out his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, by just two thousandths of a second.

This impressive one-two finish highlights Ferrari’s strong form as they prepare for the upcoming sprint qualifying session. The Ferraris were a step ahead of the competition, but reigning champion Max Verstappen wasn't far behind, finishing third with a time of 1:33.855 for Red Bull. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri rounded out the top five, demonstrating McLaren’s resurgence in form.

However, it was a tough session for Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, who could only manage 16th place, well off the pace of the front runners. Perez’s struggles in FP1 raise questions about whether he can recover in time for the more crucial stages of the weekend.

Mercedes’ Spin Show

While Ferrari was setting the track ablaze, Mercedes had a rough outing, marked by dramatic spins from both drivers. Lewis Hamilton was the first to lose control, experiencing a massive high-speed spin through the first sector. His car snapped unexpectedly at Turn 4, just as Nico Hulkenberg's Haas was on the outside. "Check these damn tyres, and check the floor for damage," Hamilton radioed in frustration, though he fortunately avoided hitting any barriers.

Also WATCH: Lewis Hamilton avoids huge crash at COTA with a 360-degree spin

Moments later, Hamilton’s teammate George Russell followed suit, spinning out at Turn 1, though his incident was at a lower speed. These spins put Mercedes on the back foot early in the weekend, with both drivers struggling to balance their cars.

Full FP1 Results of US Grand Prix 2024: