Ferrari’s Leclerc Wins US Grand Prix as Norris, Verstappen Clash Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc triumphed at the 2024 United States Grand Prix, securing his third win of the Formula One season. Leclerc finished ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz, who took second place, as both drivers dominated the race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were involved in a controversial finish that shifted the dynamic of the race.
Leclerc completed the race in 1:35:09.639, 8.562 seconds ahead of Sainz. Despite challenges during the weekend, Leclerc expressed confidence in his performance after crossing the finish line.
“It wasn’t an easy weekend but I had confidence in the race,” Leclerc said. “We still had the upper hand, we couldn’t have dreamed for better.”
Leclerc, who has also claimed victories at the Monaco and Italian Grands Prix this season, now sits in third place in the driver standings, trailing Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Meanwhile, the late-race clash between Norris and Verstappen added further drama to an already eventful race.
Controversy Strikes as Norris and Verstappen Clash
As the race entered its final stages, Norris and Verstappen found themselves battling for third place. Norris managed to pass Verstappen but did so by leaving the track, which led to a five-second penalty. This penalty dropped Norris back to fourth place, behind Verstappen, effectively ending his hopes for a podium finish.
Norris reflected on the incident, saying, “It’s not an easy decision, it would’ve come sooner. I tried, he also went off the track. If he goes off the track he goes in too hard and gains an advantage. But I don’t make the rules.”
The penalty proved to be a significant blow to Norris’ championship aspirations, especially as Ferrari demonstrated formidable pace throughout the race.
Ferrari Shows Impressive Pace in Austin
Despite the penalties and controversies involving his title rivals, Norris acknowledged Ferrari’s competitiveness, noting that the team was just as fast, if not faster, than McLaren. “Even if I came around turn one in first, I would never have finished first or second. I only could have finished third. But the one guy I need to beat is Max, and that’s the guy I didn’t beat today.”
He admitted that the weekend had been a momentum killer for his title hopes. “It’s a momentum killer. But we came in here with our mind open, not expecting to dominate or just win or anything. The fact that Ferrari was so quick today showed they’re just as competitive.”
McLaren Maintains Constructors’ Lead as Ferrari Closes In
McLaren still leads the constructors’ standings by 40 points over Red Bull, but Ferrari’s strong performance has made them a serious contender for second place. With just five rounds remaining, Norris faces an uphill battle if he hopes to clinch the championship.
Norris, who needed to gain more than eight points per race on Verstappen, now finds the task even more difficult. Verstappen, who finished third at the US Grand Prix, continues to lead the standings with a 57-point advantage over Norris. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s victory has helped Ferrari inch closer to McLaren in the constructors’ race.
Hamilton’s Race Ends Early
In a rare turn of events, British F1 icon Lewis Hamilton faced difficulties during the race. After spinning out around Turn 19, Hamilton became the only driver who did not finish the race, a disappointing result for the seven-time world champion.
Leclerc’s Moment of Glory at the US Grand Prix
After a challenging season, Charles Leclerc and Ferrari found their rhythm, clinching a memorable win at the 2024 US Grand Prix. Despite fierce competition and on-track incidents, Leclerc showcased his exceptional skill and composure under pressure to secure Ferrari’s first victory in the 2024 season. His win is a testament to Ferrari’s growing consistency and Leclerc’s ability to capitalize on opportunities.
- Strategic Pit Stops
Leclerc’s strategy played a critical role in his victory. His team made well-timed pit stops that allowed him to avoid the chaos created by other drivers’ collisions, setting him up for the win. - Handling Race Pressure
Leclerc demonstrated resilience by maintaining his pace after the restart and holding off other competitors. His ability to navigate the intense pressure of a highly competitive field cemented his status as one of F1’s elite drivers.
The Norris-Verstappen Clash
The race took a dramatic turn when Lando Norris and Max Verstappen collided on track, altering the dynamics of the race and making Leclerc’s win even more remarkable. The clash between the two drivers not only led to both cars suffering damage but also eliminated any chance of a clean duel for the top spots.
- Verstappen’s Controversial Move
Verstappen, who had been dominant throughout the season, found himself in an unusual position as his car made contact with Norris during a tense battle for position. The incident cost both drivers valuable time and ultimately left Verstappen unable to finish higher than he had hoped. - Norris’ Bad Luck
Lando Norris, who had been enjoying a strong season with McLaren, was caught in the chaos. His car suffered significant damage, and although he fought back, he was unable to recover, leaving him out of contention for a podium finish.
Race Breakdown: Key Moments and Strategic Highlights
The 2024 US Grand Prix was more than just Leclerc’s victory—it was a spectacle of strategy, pit stops, and mishaps.
- Leclerc’s Solid Start
From the beginning, Leclerc’s smooth start to the race positioned him well. He made the most of early battles and positioned himself for a podium finish early on, even as his competitors were caught in the wreckage of on-track incidents. - Verstappen’s Missteps
Max Verstappen, having dominated much of the season, struggled with handling pressure as the race unfolded. His collision with Norris added an unexpected twist, preventing him from clinching another victory in his remarkable run of form. - McLaren’s Unexpected Setback
McLaren had a strong showing with Norris, but the collision with Verstappen exposed weaknesses in their strategy and car durability, leading to a disappointing finish.
What Does This Mean for the Championship?
Leclerc’s victory, while impressive, also raised important questions about the ongoing championship race. Verstappen’s clash and subsequent lower finish have altered the dynamics of the standings, though he still leads the championship. For Leclerc and Ferrari, this win is a potential turning point in their campaign to close the gap on the leaders.
- Verstappen’s Solid Lead
Even though Verstappen faced a setback, his consistent performances throughout the season mean that his lead in the standings remains unshaken. However, Leclerc’s victory is a sign that the competition in Formula 1 is intensifying. - The Battle for 2nd Place
With McLaren and Ferrari emerging as strong contenders, the battle for second place in the championship is heating up. Teams like McLaren and Ferrari will look to use momentum from the US Grand Prix to secure more podium finishes in the coming races.
FAQs
1. Who won the 2024 US Grand Prix?
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari won the 2024 US Grand Prix, marking his first victory of the season.
2. What caused the collision between Norris and Verstappen?
The collision between Norris and Verstappen was a result of an aggressive on-track battle, where both drivers made contact, damaging their cars.
3. How did Leclerc manage to win the race?
Leclerc’s victory was due to timely pit stops, consistency under pressure, and the misfortune faced by other competitors, including the Norris-Verstappen clash.
4. What impact did the Norris-Verstappen clash have on the race?
The Norris-Verstappen clash led to both drivers losing valuable time, which opened the door for Leclerc to take the lead and secure the win.
5. Does Verstappen still lead the F1 championship after the US Grand Prix?
Yes, Max Verstappen continues to lead the Formula 1 championship despite his lower finish at the US Grand Prix.
6. What does Leclerc’s victory mean for Ferrari in the 2024 season?
Leclerc’s win is a crucial step for Ferrari, signaling that the team is improving and can compete with the top teams as the season progresses.
Conclusion:
The 2024 US Grand Prix was a race full of drama, surprises, and strategic plays. Leclerc’s victory, combined with the unexpected clash between Norris and Verstappen, showcased the unpredictable nature of Formula 1. For Ferrari, this win is a step toward returning to championship contention, while Verstappen’s dominance still looms large. The excitement is only set to intensify as the 2024 season continues.