F1 New:Ferrari’s Leclerc and Sainz Poised to Challenge…read more
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are gearing up to challenge Max Verstappen in the 2024 US Grand Prix Sprint Race, following a strong performance in Friday’s qualifying session at the Circuit of the Americas. Leclerc secured third on the grid, with a time just 0.226 seconds behind Verstappen, while Sainz rounded out the top five, only 0.256 seconds off the pole-sitter’s pace. This puts Ferrari in a prime position to contest Red Bull’s dominance in the sprint.
Max Verstappen will start from pole position after delivering another impressive qualifying lap of 1:32.833, aiming for his fourth sprint race victory of the season. However, Ferrari’s form in Austin suggests that the battle for the top spot is far from decided. Leclerc, starting from third, and Sainz, from fifth, both have a realistic shot at upsetting the order in the 19-lap sprint, which sets the grid for Sunday’s main race.
Leclerc’s solid qualifying performance places him right behind George Russell, who managed to split the Red Bulls by securing second place on the front row for Mercedes. This gives Leclerc a tactical advantage at the start of the sprint, where overtaking early will be key to mounting a serious challenge against Verstappen. Leclerc has consistently performed well in qualifying this season, and his third-place start gives Ferrari a crucial opportunity to disrupt Verstappen’s race strategy, especially if they can pressure the Red Bull driver early on.
Carlos Sainz, starting from fifth, will have his sights set on moving up the order quickly. Sainz qualified just behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, who took fourth place, setting up an intriguing battle between the two. Sainz has shown exceptional racecraft in previous sprints and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by those ahead of him, including Norris and Russell, to secure a podium position.
The US Grand Prix Sprint Race is pivotal not only for individual championship points but also for Ferrari’s fight to close the gap to Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari’s improved pace in Austin, coupled with Verstappen’s minor gap in qualifying times, suggests that the battle at the front could be tighter than expected. If Ferrari can execute a strong start and maintain competitive race pace, both Leclerc and Sainz stand a real chance of taking the fight to Verstappen.
Ferrari’s strategy will also play a significant role in their success in the sprint. With limited pit stops in the shorter format, tire management and aggressive overtaking in the early laps will be critical. Both Leclerc and Sainz have demonstrated their ability to manage tires effectively, which could give them an edge, particularly if temperatures in Austin rise, making tire degradation a key factor.
The sprint race offers a vital opportunity for Ferrari to gain momentum ahead of Sunday’s main event. While Verstappen remains the clear favorite for the win, Ferrari’s qualifying performance has set the stage for an exciting and competitive race. If Leclerc and Sainz can maintain their form and capitalize on their starting positions, they could pose a significant challenge to Verstappen’s dominance, potentially shaking up the order in the US Grand Prix weekend.
Fans and teams alike will be eagerly watching as Ferrari looks to make a statement in the sprint, hoping to bring home valuable points and position themselves as serious contenders in Sunday’s race. With the grid set and fierce battles expected across the field, the US Grand Prix Sprint promises high-stakes drama as Ferrari aims to topple Verstappen and Red Bull’s supremacy.
