Max Verstappen missed out on challenging the Ferrari…read more
Max Verstappen missed out on challenging the Ferrari drivers after a late-race penalty incident involving Lando Norris at the 2024 US Grand Prix. In the closing stages, Verstappen and Norris battled for third place, but Norris received a five-second penalty for overtaking Verstappen by leaving the track and gaining an unfair advantage. This dropped Norris down the order, allowing Verstappen to keep his third-place position.
Charles Leclerc secured his third win of the season in Austin, taking the lead from Norris on the first lap. His teammate Carlos Sainz played a key role in Leclerc’s victory, as Ferrari used an undercut strategy during pit stops to help Sainz hold off Verstappen, providing Leclerc a buffer to maintain his lead. Sainz’s efforts ensured a Ferrari one-two, with Leclerc finishing 8.562 seconds ahead of him.
An early safety car was triggered by a dramatic crash involving Lewis Hamilton on lap three. Hamilton lost control at Turn 19 and had to retire from the race. Mercedes’ troubles continued as George Russell received a five-second penalty for forcing Valtteri Bottas off the track during their midfield battle. Russell eventually finished sixth, capping a tough race for Mercedes.
Elsewhere, Liam Lawson, replacing Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB, impressed by finishing ninth, ahead of teammate Yuki Tsunoda, securing important points for the team. Despite Ricciardo’s controversial departure, Lawson’s performance hinted the team made the right decision. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fifth, while Norris, after his penalty, was demoted to fourth.
Esteban Ocon of Alpine set the fastest lap but finished a lap down in 18th. The final race standings saw Leclerc in first, followed by Sainz and Verstappen. Norris finished fourth, followed by Piastri, Russell, Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto completing the top ten. Hamilton was the only driver who did not finish.
