United States GP 2023
OCTOBER 20, 2023
Practice 1 Report - Verstappen quickest at Friday practice in Austin
© Red Bull
By Peter Habicht
Max Verstappen was quickest in practice today for Red Bull with a 1:35.912s lap ahead of Ferraris Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen teammate Sergio Perez was 0.3s behind and fourth fastest as he continues to fight for second in the Drivers’ Championship.
Haas’ Kevin Magnussen was next, running major car upgrades this weekend as the team's car received major updates in preparation for the 2024 season. Mercedes’ George Russell and the Williams of Alexander Albon were nest, followed by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who was eighth fastest. Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the top ten.
Williams’ Logan Sargeant was 11th quickest, with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon next ahead of the AlphaTauri’s of Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo in 14th and 15th, This weekend marks Ricciardo’s return to racing after recovering from hand surgery following his crash in practice this summer at the Dutch Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Lando Norris was 16th in the order, ahead of the Alfa Romeos of Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas. Aston Martin struggled with front brake issues with Fernando Alonso in 18th and Lance Stroll retiring his car after only five laps.
Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri was 19th, struggling with his car after a big moment in turns eight and nine took him into the grass.
Qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix will take place later today at 4p.