Charles Leclerc led the opening practice session for the United States Grand Prix at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas on Friday, while Mercedes championship contender Kimi Antonelli finished fifth.

The Ferrari driver topped the timesheets with a lap of 1:36.052 in his upgraded car, finishing 0.084 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The Dutchman arrives in Austin after winning the previous two races in Singapore and Malaysia and claiming victory at the same circuit last year.

Leclerc’s Ferrari featured several technical updates, including changes to the floor, sidepod and diffuser. The Monaco-born driver also has a strong record at the Texas venue, having won there in 2024.

McLaren’s reigning world champion Lando Norris finished third, 0.245 seconds off the pace. Mercedes driver George Russell secured fourth place, 0.326 seconds behind Leclerc, with Antonelli a further 0.155 seconds back in fifth.

The 20-year-old Italian remains in contention to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history. He could achieve the milestone at Sunday’s race if he wins and other results go in his favour. Otherwise, his championship hopes will extend at least until the Mexico City Grand Prix next weekend.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto. Racing Bulls drivers Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson completed the top 10.

Lindblad and Bortoleto are both set to receive grid penalties for Sunday’s race following power unit component changes.

Meanwhile, the condition of the Circuit of the Americas attracted criticism from several drivers, with the track’s increasingly bumpy surface creating additional challenges during practice.

“Probably the bumpiest track we’ve had so far this year. It’s tricky, but I’m sure we’ll work around it,” Alpine driver Pierre Gasly told Sky Sports.

Gasly’s Argentine teammate, Franco Colapinto, will also face a 10-place grid penalty after a new control electronics unit was fitted to his car.

With further practice and qualifying still to come, teams will be looking to refine their setups and manage the demanding circuit ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix.