2026 United States GP: Leclerc P2, Red Bull hit trouble

Charles Leclerc took P2 in Austin, Lewis Hamilton reported balance issues and Red Bull hit race trouble as the United States GP fallout unfolded.

Formula1.com’s post-race coverage from Austin said Charles Leclerc finished second and was voted Driver of the Day after another podium, while Lewis Hamilton came home fourth and pointed to balance as his main issue. Leclerc arrived at the United States Grand Prix fifth in the drivers’ championship on 233 points, and his career total stood at 53 podiums before the weekend.

Formula1.com also reported Red Bull’s frustration after Max Verstappen finished third and Isack Hadjar lost places during the race. Motorsport.com and RaceFans reported that Hadjar blamed the start on the clutch and called for a redesign. McLaren had a difficult weekend too, with Formula1.com reporting that Lando Norris said the car was not quick enough after he finished fifth.

George Russell ended the race eighth after a lack of pace and a five-second penalty, according to Formula1.com, with RaceFans reporting the stewards reduced the sanction from 10 seconds to five. In the standings after Austin, Russell stayed second on 242 points, one ahead of Hamilton, while Verstappen had 236 and Leclerc 233.