F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Race results and standings as Norris reacts angrily after Leclerc win
F1 live reaction from the Circuit of the Americas as Norris is penalised for an overtake on Max Verstappen and Leclerc leads Ferrari to a glorious victory in Austin
Lando Norris’ F1 championship hopes were dealt a hammer blow after he was handed a controversial five-second penalty to finish behind rival Max Verstappen following a compelling US Grand Prix.
As Charles Leclerc raced to an impressive win at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, pole man Norris was only fourth – one place behind Verstappen – to leave him 57 points adrift in the title race with only 146 points to play for across the concluding five rounds. Carlos Sainz took second to complete a Ferrari one-two.
Norris spent the final dozen laps crawling all over Verstappen’s gearbox in a thrilling conclusion, and he eventually made the move stick on the 52nd lap.
However, the stewards quickly launched an investigation into the pass, and Norris was adjudged to have run off the track. Norris was penalised, and although he crossed the line in third, four seconds ahead of Verstappen, his sanction dropped him back, in what could prove a pivotal decision in his championship quest.
Follow live updates from the United States Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Max Verstappen defending strongly from Lando Norris (Lap 46/56)
Norris right behind his F1 title rival now, it’s only 0.5 seconds between Norris and Verstappen - but the Red Bull is defending staunchly for the time being!
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris within DRS range of Max Verstappen now (Lap 44/56)
Norris will be eyeing a move now on Verstappen - the McLaren is within a second of the Red Bull.
He’s too far back to make a move heading into turn 12 for now...
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: George Russell pits (Lap 41/56)
Russell pits from sixth - and serves his five-second penalty - and the Mercedes comes out in eighth.
Norris now within two seconds of Verstappen - this should be interesting! Carlos Sainz sets a new fastest lap...
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Noris, Piastri, Perez, Hulkenberg, Russell, Lawson, Gasly
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris showing good pace (Lap 37/56)
Lando is cutting the deficit to Max Verstappen here, it’s now 3.5 seconds. He should be catching him within 10 laps or so - and has now set the fastest lap.
Verstappen: “These tyres just aren’t good, I can’t attack, I can’t do anything”
Out in front, it’s a Ferrari one-two and Leclerc has a 6.9 second lead to Sainz at the front.
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Colapinto, Perez, Magnussen, Hulkenberg
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Oscar Piastri pits (Lap 33/56)
Piastri does indeed come in - 2.6 seconds - and he rejoins the track behind Norris and just ahead of Russell, who is yet to pit.
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Lawson, Colapinto, Perez, Magnussen
And so the race enters its next phase - how will the McLaren pace be on hard tyres?
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris pits (Lap 32/56)
Now is the time for Lando Norris!
He pits, 2.2 seconds, and has a good tyre delta until the end of the race.
Norris comes out in fifth, 5.8 seconds behind Verstappen. Meanwhile, Leclerc cruises past Piastri and retakes the lead of the race.
Only a matter of time until Piastri pits, you’d think...
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris’ engineer... (Lap 30/56)
“For us, this is likely the Germany situation.”
We haven’t had a German race since 2019! Eh?!
Code words in use perhaps...
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris stays out (Lap 29/56)
So, a reminder, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will have to pit at some point but currently, their lap times are still as good as Max Verstappen’s - who has fresh tyres!
Interesting.
Norris has a 4.9 second lead on Piastri...
Top-10: Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Russell, Lawson, Colapinto, Perez, Magnussen
Russell yet to pit too...
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc pits (Lap 27/56)
Race leader Leclerc comes in for his hard tyre compound - 2.5 second stop - and the Monegasque comes out behind the McLarens but ahead of Carlos Sainz.
Lando Norris takes the lead - but when will he come in to pit?!
McLaren have good pace still on the mediums.
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