Hamilton fastest in final United States Grand Prix practice
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TimesLIVE
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in the final practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix in Austin, at 1 min 34.893 sec, ahead of Max Verstappen and team-mate Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver beat Verstappen by 0.168 seconds before qualifying, according to TimesLIVE.
British Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in final practice for the United States Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. He completed his lap in 1 min 34.893 sec, 0.168 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, reports Reuters.
Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc finished third, 0.234 seconds behind. His fastest lap was deleted for exceeding track limits at turn nine. Ferrari therefore set the fastest times in all three practice sessions, after Leclerc topped both Friday sessions. The Italian team is seeking its first pole position of the 2026 season.
George Russell took fourth place, ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader. The young Italian driver has a 102-point lead over Russell after the Austin Grand Prix, with five races remaining. He can win the title on Sunday if the results go his way.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri set the sixth-fastest time, just ahead of Audi’s Nico Hülkenberg. Defending champion Lando Norris finished eighth. McLaren director Zak Brown said Ferrari could be the team to beat this weekend, given its recent improvements.
