Charles Leclerc wins F1 U.S. Grand Prix, Lando Norris loses podium to late penalty

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AUSTIN, Texas — It was a Ferrari one-two within the Lone Star State on Sunday as Charles Leclerc gained the US Grand Prix and Carlos Sainz completed second.

Lando Norris used his tire delta to navigate to 3rd place late previous Max Verstappen, who complained about his tires a number of instances through the race. However the second Norris handed Verstappen probably shall be seen as controversial, because the Dutchman instantly raised over the radio that the McLaren overtook him outdoors of monitor limits.

Norris identified that he was forward on the apex of the flip, entitling him to the place. The stewards in the end handed the McLaren driver a five-second time penalty for “leaving the monitor and gaining a bonus.”

Because the laps dwindled, Crimson Bull reported over the radio to Verstappen that Norris had exceeded the restrict for monitor restrict infringements. Nonetheless, McLaren advised Norris he solely had three totally different infringements. Another, and a penalty would come. It by no means occurred, however the five-second time penalty was sufficient to value Norris the place anyway.

LAP 52/56

Via goes Norris however he is off the monitor when he does

The McLaren driver hasn’t given the place again. The stewards are investigating 👀#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/oDmpRvOYDM

— Method 1 (@F1) October 20, 2024

Leclerc, Sainz, and Verstappen rounded out the rostrum, widening Verstappen’s lead within the drivers’ championship.

The race started with the sector vying for positions because the 20 vehicles barrelled uphill in the direction of Flip 1, and almost all cleanly escaped, apart from Esteban Ocon, who acquired spun round after contact with Alex Albon. Lando Norris began on pole however didn’t maintain the lead after passing the large American flag at Flip 1. Verstappen navigated his RB20 up the within of the McLaren, heading into that first nook, and Leclerc slipped previous them each, taking command of the race.

After a couple of laps, followers noticed the primary F1 security automobile for the reason that Canadian Grand Prix in June. Lewis Hamilton, who certified P19, ended up within the gravel at Flip 19, ending his day.

The race settled after the security automobile interval ended, and the drivers discovered a rhythm. Verstappen was advised over the radio at round lap 14 out of 56 that Crimson Bull observed a difficulty along with his automobile, although it was unclear to the general public through the race what was unsuitable. The workforce would attempt to type it throughout his pit cease.

The grand prix was easy from there, although a couple of incidents occurred, together with a black-and-white flag proven for a few drivers and penalties handed out (five-second time penalties to Yuki Tsunoda, George Russell, and Pierre Gasly for various moments). A number of of the decrease midfield groups secured important factors finishes — Haas’ Nico Hülkenberg ending eighth (4 factors), RB’s Liam Lawson in ninth (two factors), and Williams’ Franco Colapinto in tenth (one level).

Norris’ penalty was expensive within the larger image of the drivers’ championship combat. He entered the day 54 factors behind Verstappen with six races remaining—now he leaves Austin 57 factors again, nearer to third-place Charles Leclerc (22 factors again) than the championship chief.

Leclerc and Sainz’s day additionally tightened the constructors’ championship image. Ferrari is now simply eight factors again of Crimson Bull for second place, whereas McLaren leads the championship by 40 factors.