Surprise Hulkenberg, second; third Plates. Charles was unable to carry out his qualifying simulation
Lando Norris is the fastest in the first and only free practice session of the United States Grand Prix. The Briton put Nico Hulkenberg and Oscar Piastri behind him, both more than two tenths behind. Fourth position for Fernando Alonso, behind him world champion Max Verstappen, who complained several times about his Red Bull during the session. Sixth position for Alex Albon, behind him George Russell, who however closed his fastest lap on medium tyres. The same goes for Lewis Hamilton, eighth at the end of the session. Ninth position for Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman completes the top 10. Charles Leclerc was unable to carry out his qualifying simulation due to a gearbox problem which forced him to return to the pits. The Monegasque’s hope is that Ferrari will be able to repair his car by the start of Sprint qualifying, scheduled for 11.30pm.
THE SESSION
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Many drivers immediately took to the track to make the most of the only free practice session of the weekend. Many began the activity with hard tires to gain confidence in the curves of the Cota (Circuit of The Americas). At the beginning of the session the times improved lap after lap. After a quarter of an hour Verstappen was in the lead, with Russell and Tsunoda behind him. Shortly afterwards Hamilton took the lead. With 39 minutes to go the red flag was shown to remove debris left on the track by Lance Stroll’s car. The session resumed with 35 minutes to go. About halfway through the session, some drivers, including Verstappen, tested the race pace. Second half for Norris after 34 minutes. Carlos Sainz’s session ended early: gearbox problems for the Spaniard.
QUALIFICATION SIMULATION
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In the last minutes of the session the drivers tested the fastest lap in view of the Sprint qualifications which will take place in a few hours. Russell and Hamilton tested the time on medium tyre: it should be remembered that this compound will be mandatory in Q1 and Q2 of Sprint qualifying. Gearbox problems for Leclerc, who reported to the team that he smelled oil and was therefore forced to abort his attempt at a fastest lap to return to the garage.
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