Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the early pace at the Circuit of the Americas on Friday, topping both practice sessions for the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Leclerc clocked a fastest lap of 1:35.291 on soft tyres, finishing just 0.042 seconds ahead of Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. Red Bull's Max Verstappen placed third, 0.189 seconds off the pace. Lewis Hamilton took fourth for Ferrari, while George Russell rounded out the top five for Mercedes.
The opening day of running carried significant championship implications for Antonelli, who holds a mathematical chance of securing his maiden world title this weekend. To clinch the championship in Austin, the Italian driver must win Sunday's grand prix while teammate Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton finishes fifth or lower.
Action at the Circuit of the Americas continues on Saturday with the final practice session ahead of qualifying.
