Max Verstappen loses out to Red Bull rivals after LATE penalty…read more
The 2024 US Grand Prix delivered a dramatic race filled with penalties, crashes, and team strategies that ultimately saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc take the win, marking his third victory of the season. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, lost out on a better finish after being caught up in a penalty dispute that overshadowed his bid for third place.
The closing stages of the race were filled with tension, particularly in the battle for the final podium position between Lando Norris and Verstappen. Norris had managed to overtake Verstappen, but it was deemed that he had left the track while doing so and gained an advantage. The stewards intervened and handed Norris a five-second penalty, pushing him down the order and denying him a place on the podium. This penalty allowed Verstappen to take third place behind the two Ferraris, although it left fans and drivers debating the fairness of the ruling.
Leclerc’s victory was set up early in the race when he took the lead from Norris on the opening lap. Ferrari’s strategy played out perfectly, with Carlos Sainz playing a crucial supporting role. Sainz executed an undercut strategy that allowed him to stay ahead of Verstappen after their pit stops. This move created a buffer between Leclerc and Verstappen, preventing the Dutchman from mounting a serious challenge for the lead. Sainz’s second-place finish behind his teammate was essential in securing Ferrari’s strong showing in Austin.
Elsewhere on the track, Mercedes had a disastrous day. Lewis Hamilton’s race came to an abrupt end on lap three after a dramatic crash heading into Turn 19. The incident brought out an early safety car and dashed Hamilton’s hopes of contending for a podium finish. Mercedes’ bad luck continued as George Russell was handed a five-second penalty for forcing Valtteri Bottas off the track during a midfield battle. Russell, who was also unable to climb much higher than sixth place, had a difficult race overall.
One of the standout performances of the race came from Liam Lawson, the replacement for Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB. Lawson finished ninth, outpacing his teammate Yuki Tsunoda and securing points for his team. This strong result further justified the team’s decision to bring him in, especially as Lawson managed to finish ahead of several more experienced drivers.
McLaren also had a strong showing, despite the penalty to Norris. His fourth-place finish, combined with teammate Oscar Piastri in fifth, reflected the team’s solid pace throughout the weekend. Both McLaren drivers were competitive, but the penalty for Norris added a bitter note to what could have been an even better result.
The race ended with Leclerc winning by a comfortable margin over Sainz, with Verstappen completing the podium. Ferrari’s double podium was a significant achievement, showcasing the team’s improving form as the season progresses. However, the race will be remembered as much for the penalty drama and crashes as for Ferrari’s dominance.
Final results:
1. Charles Leclerc [Ferrari] – 1:39.518secs
2. Carlos Sainz [Ferrari] – + 8.562
3. Max Verstappen [Red Bull] – + 19.412
4. Lando Norris [McLaren] – + 20.354
5. Oscar Piastri [McLaren] – + 21.921
6. George Russell [Mercedes] – + 56.925
7. Sergio Perez [Red Bull] – + 59.072
8. Nico Hulkenberg [Haas] – + 62.957
9. Liam Lawson [VCARB] – + 70.563
10. Franco Colapinto [Williams] – + 71.979
11. Kevin Magnussen [Haas] – + 79.782
12. Pierre Gasly [Alpine] – + 90.558
13. Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin] – + 1 LAP
14. Yuki Tsunoda [VCARB] – + 1 LAP
15. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin] – + 1 LAP
16. Alex Albon [Williams] – + 1 LAP
17. Valtteri Bottas [Kick Sauber] – + 1 LAP
18. Esteban Ocon [Alpine] – + 1 LAP
19. Zhou Guanyu [Kick Sauber] – + 1 LAP
20. Lewis Hamilton [Mercedes] – DNF
