LECLERC WINS IN AUSTIN TO CLAIM THIRD WIN OF THE SEASON

Formula One returned from its break and rolled into Austin for the US Grand Prix. A race which helped put F1 on the US map. It was a surprise victory for Leclerc and for Ferrari who took the lead in the first corner and never looked back. Sainz finished second to make it a 1-2 for the Prancing Horses. With thanks to a final lap penalty to Norris it was Verstappen who finished third and to claim valuable points from the Dutchman's closest Championship rival.

It was a nightmare start for title chasing Lando Norris (McLaren) who had dropped down to fourth after the first corner after going wide into the turn with title rival Max Verstappen (Red Bull). The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc leads with Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) fighting hard with the Red Bull for second. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) completes the top five.

Norris might have had a bad start but it wasn't as bad as it got for Lewis Hamilton who only managed 19th in qualifying who just three laps into the race caused a yellow flag after becoming beached in his Mercedes.

This meant the Safety Car was deployed and Hamilton is out of the race. He was the only retirement of the race.

Just two laps later on lap five the beached Mercedes has been cleared and the green flag is shown and it's Leclerc who holds the lead.

The first key pit stop was 26 laps in when Verstappen pitted from second and rejoins behind Sainz in fifth place. Norris now second and Piastri third.

On the very next lap Leclerc pits from the lead.

Norris takes the lead of the race as Leclerc rejoins in third ahead of Sainz and behind Piastri.

Norris waited 32 laps before pitting which he did from the lead of the race, Leclerc reclaims his place in first after passing Piastri the lap before. Norris is back out in fifth behind Verstappen.

After chasing the Red Bull for 20 laps... NORRIS PASSES VERSTAPPEN!

But.

Norris overtook off the track which is what Verstappen believes! Norris has three laps to hold on to third place... but the joy of being in front didn't last long as on the final lap and just three laps after the overtake the McLaren driver is given a five second penalty for passing off the track!

So despite crossing the line in third - Lando dropped to fourth place. Verstappen taking third.

The next race is the Mexican Grand Prix.

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