Leclerc Takes Charge: GP USA Highlights
Ah, the sprint weekend! It’s the only time you can come home with a shiny trophy and still have your mother say, “It’s not the winner who counts, it’s how many exams you aced!” Which brings us to Ferrari is on the right track”>Charles Leclerc, who made it seem as if he was the only one on the track capable of writing his own script. Seriously, folks, he won the GP USA more convincingly than a cat caught in a laser pointer fiasco!
Now let’s talk about how our dear Leclerc was lurking in the shadows pre-qualifying, doing what all good sidekicks do—playing second fiddle to Carlos Sainz. And lo and behold, it was the race that revealed the real hero! With a dazzling jump from fourth to first in just one corner—like a kid raiding a cookie jar—Leclerc flaunted his skills and took off “over the horizon” faster than my hopes of cooking a gourmet meal.
Shadow Boxing No More!
While Sainz initially had the spotlight, thanks largely to some impressive racing skills, Leclerc snatched the plot twist right out from under him. It’s like watching a comedy where you think the sidekick is going to get the girl, and then boom! The hero steps in with a flashy performance that leaves you both clapping and rolling your eyes.
And speaking of performances, Max Verstappen may have clinched a sprint win, but his Red Bull still isn’t a winning car. It’s like showing up to a buffet and finding out you’re on a diet. You leave with something—just not what you really wanted! But hats off to him for poaching some points right from under Lando Norris’ nose. A little new-age thieving done the F1 way!
Lawson’s Grand Return
Then we have the return of Liam Lawson, who didn’t just show up; he dropped an exclamation mark at Q1 with the third-best lap! He grew in stature throughout the race, climbing from the back all the way to ninth like a contestant on a reality show who suddenly realizes they’re in the final three. Bravo, Lawson!
And let’s not forget Franco Colapinto. This lad snags points for the second time like he’s collecting Pokémon cards. Who would have thought the Argentine would look so comfortable out there? Not so shabby for a guy who likely just Googled “How to Drive in Formula 1” before the race!
Driver Scores: GP USA Breakdown
And now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty—the driver scores! Because what’s F1 without a bit of rivalry and a dash of scorecard controversy?
- Charles Leclerc – Rating: 9/10
- Carlos Sainz – Note: 8/10
- Max Verstappen – Note: 9/10
- Lando Norris – Note: 8/10
- Oscar Piastri – Notes: 7/10
- George Russell – Note: 7/10
- Sergio Pérez – Rating: 4/10
- Nico Hülkenberg – Grade: 8/10
- Liam Lawson – Note: 9/10
- Franco Colapinto – Notes: 8/10
- Kevin Magnussen – Note: 8/10
- Pierre Gasly – Note: 8/10
- Fernando Alonso – Note: 6/10
- Yuki Tsunoda – Note: 5/10
- Lance Stroll – Note: 5/10
- Alexander Albon – Rating: 5/10
- Valtteri Bottas – Note: 6/10
- Esteban Ocon – Note: 6/10
- Guanyu Zhou – Note: 4/10
- Lewis Hamilton – Note: 3/10
So there you have it, folks! The GP USA was packed with drama, a sprinkle of unpredictability, and a lot of racing talent on display. As always, may the best driver win—but let’s be real, we all know it’s going to be a dramatic journey, right until the final lap!
On a sprint weekend it’s always difficult to go home with the top mark. There are too many exams where you can do something wrong. Two qualifications, two races. Charles Leclerc won the GP USA more clearly than any driver before him in a long time, but until qualifying he was in the shadow of Carlos Sainz.
Leclerc did everything right in the race. The decisive factor in the race was the jump from 4th place to 1st place in just one corner. He benefited from the duel between World Cup opponents Max Verstappen and Lando Norris right after the start. After an early safety car period ended, the eventual winner disappeared over the horizon. When an undercut put Sainz in second place, the Ferrari drivers controlled the race.
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Carlos Sainz seemed to be the better Ferrari man in Texas for a long time, but in the race Charles Leclerc straightened out the rankings.
Lawson’s great return
There were also a few nines behind Leclerc. For example Max Verstappen. The Red Bull is still not a winning car. Nevertheless, he won the sprint. And also took points from Norris in the race. Returnee Liam Lawson also earned a grade of 9. He set an exclamation mark in Q1 with the third-best lap and drove from the back of the race to 9th place. On a track he didn’t know.
Franco Colapinto should also be mentioned. Who would have thought that the Argentine would end up in the points for the second time? Colapinto implemented his team’s alternative strategy like a veteran. This makes him increasingly suitable for Sauber.
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Liam Lawson skillfully implemented his team’s tactical instructions and shone on a new track for him.
Driver scores GP USA
Here are the driver scores for the GP USA at a glance. As always, you can find the detailed individual reviews of all 20 pilots in the gallery.
- Charles Leclerc – Rating: 9/10
- Carlos Sainz – Note: 8/10
- Max Verstappen – Note: 9/10
- Lando Norris – Note: 8/10
- Oscar Piastri – Notes: 7/10
- George Russell – Note: 7/10
- Sergio Pérez – Rating: 4/10
- Nico Hülkenberg – Grade: 8/10
- Liam Lawson – Note: 9/10
- Franco Colapinto – Notes: 8/10
- Kevin Magnussen – Note: 8/10
- Pierre Gasly – Note: 8/10
- Fernando Alonso – Note: 6/10
- Yuki Tsunoda – Note: 5/10
- Lance Stroll – Note: 5/10
- Alexander Albon – Rating: 5/10
- Valtteri Bottas – Note: 6/10
- Esteban Ocon – Note: 6/10
- Guanyu Zhou – Note: 4/10
- Lewis Hamilton – Note: 3/10
