Leclerc surprises at the United States GP and secures victory for Ferrari

Formula 1 delivered great thrills at the United States GP, held this Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Austin circuit. Charles Leclerc, with a strategic and determined performance, took control of the race and crossed the finish line in first place, surprising everyone and securing a one-two for Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz in second. The race, which initially promised a fierce battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, ended up being dominated by Leclerc, who took full advantage of the track conditions and tire strategy to secure victory.

Leclerc’s decisive start

Right from the first corner, Leclerc showed his intentions by diving inside to overtake both Verstappen and Norris, taking the lead of the race. The start, which seemed to be the beginning of a showdown between Verstappen and Norris, quickly shifted when the Monegasque driver took control of the race. This maneuver was crucial for Ferrari to implement its strategy, internally referred to as “Plan C.” With the hard tires proving more durable than expected, Leclerc extended his first stint and managed to maintain a consistent pace, even under pressure from rivals.

The track conditions favored Ferrari, with rubber accumulating throughout the race, allowing the Italian team’s drivers to better manage their tires. Pirelli had initially predicted two stops as the ideal strategy, but the low tire degradation allowed most drivers, including Leclerc and Sainz, to opt for just one stop, a key factor in the final result.

Verstappen and Norris: the battle for the podium

While Leclerc maintained a comfortable lead, attention turned to the duel between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. During the final ten laps, the Red Bull driver had to fend off a relentless charge from Norris, who was determined to secure the final spot on the podium. In an aggressive move, Norris managed to pass Verstappen, sending both drivers off the track. The incident, as expected, was quickly put under investigation, but the result kept the McLaren driver off the podium.

Verstappen, who already holds a comfortable lead in the world championship, demonstrated resilience by holding onto the position and finishing the race in third place. Norris, on the other hand, finished fourth, showing that McLaren continues to evolve and remains a constant threat to the leaders.

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George Russell’s recovery race

Among the notable stories of the race, George Russell’s recovery stands out. The British Mercedes driver was forced to start from the pit lane after changes were made to his car’s specifications, a move that seemed to condemn him to a tough race. However, Russell opted to start on hard tires and managed to gain significant positions throughout the race, finishing in a respectable sixth place. The one-stop strategy was also crucial for his result, as by extending his first stint, he gained an advantage over many of his competitors.

The rookies’ performance

Another interesting aspect of the race was the performance of the season’s rookies. Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, both in their first full Formula 1 seasons, showed great potential. Lawson finished in ninth place, while Colapinto completed the top 10. Both drivers opted for a similar strategy, starting on hard tires and making just one stop, which proved to be effective on the Austin circuit. The 2024 season has been a true test for these young talents, and this race highlighted their ability to compete alongside the veterans.

Key highlights and statistics

• Leclerc secured his 5th win of the season, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders for the upcoming races.
• Carlos Sainz, with a second-place finish, reinforced Ferrari’s strength, which showed great consistency both in the main race and in the sprint held the previous day.
• Max Verstappen, already with the championship almost in hand, finished third but still had a challenging race against Norris, who showed great aggression.
• Mercedes, despite struggling throughout the weekend, managed to put Russell in a competitive position after his pit-lane start.
• Oscar Piastri, in his second season, finished fifth, showing that McLaren continues to grow as a force in Formula 1, even though they didn’t reach the podium this time.

Decisive moments of the race

1. Leclerc’s aggressive start: The Monegasque’s maneuver in the first corner was the turning point of the race, completely changing the dynamics and putting Ferrari in the lead from the start.
2. The Verstappen-Norris battle: The duel between the two drivers was one of the most thrilling of the season, with both taking risks in bold wheel-to-wheel fights.
3. Tire strategy: With low tire degradation, the one-stop strategy became the preferred choice for most drivers, a crucial factor in determining the final outcome.
4. The safety car on lap 4: The incident involving Lewis Hamilton brought out the safety car, temporarily neutralizing the race and allowing drivers to conserve their tires for longer.

The impact of the race on the season

With the victory, Leclerc strengthened Ferrari’s position in the constructors’ championship, while Verstappen, despite finishing third, remains the absolute favorite for the drivers’ title. Red Bull, despite not winning in Austin, maintains a comfortable lead, while McLaren, with solid performances from both Norris and Piastri, continues to threaten the top teams.

The upcoming races will be crucial in shaping the rest of the season, with the Mexican Grand Prix, scheduled for October 25-27, promising more intense battles.