The Scuderia delivered a commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix, securing a 1-2 finish with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz leading the charge. Leclerc took control of the race from the start, while Sainz capitalised on an aggressive strategy and the SF-24’s superior tyre management to clinch second place, giving Ferrari their 87th one-two finish, and the second of the season after Australia.
Leclerc’s masterful start saw him take advantage of the tussle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at Turn 1, catapulting him into the lead. Sainz, starting third, initially had to settle behind Verstappen but used Ferrari’s strategic pit stop to leap ahead. Sainz’s early stop on lap 21 and push on the Hard tyres allowed him to execute a successful undercut, overtaking the reigning champion. Leclerc pitted five laps later, maintaining his lead as he rejoined the track, eventually overtaking Oscar Piastri to regain first place.
With no further changes at the front, Ferrari cruised to their first 1-2 finish in the United States since 2006, when Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa achieved the same feat at Indianapolis. Verstappen crossed the chequered line over ten seconds after Sainz to complete the US GP podium.
The result not only earned Ferrari a record 55 points over the race weekend, but also kept them in contention for the Constructors’ Championship, now just 54 points behind leaders McLaren and 8 points behind Red Bull.
Ferrari’s excellent tyre management and strategic decisions were key to their success, as the team maximised the recent updates introduced since Monza. With Leclerc securing his eighth career victory and Sainz achieving his sixth podium of the season, the team’s confidence is high as they prepare for the next challenge in Mexico City next weekend.
Leclerc, reflecting on the win, expressed optimism about Ferrari’s chances: “It feels good to bring home a victory at the start of this triple header. The whole team did an amazing job to make this happen and a 1-2 brings us a good amount of points in the fight for the Constructors’ title. We will never stop dreaming until it is done.”
With only a handful of races left in the season, Ferrari remains focused on pushing for the championship as they head to Mexico City, where the race’s high-altitude conditions will present a new test for the team.
Image courtesy of @Charles_Leclerc on X