LAP ONE: Hamilton makes STUNNING start to emerge as chief US Sprint challenger to Verstappen
The two world champions get the best start to the 19-lap Austin sprint
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen held his lead from pole by a tight margin over the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton after the opening lap of the United States sprint.
After taking the sprint pole earlier in the day, Verstappen was tasked with defending from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc into turn one. An excellent getaway for the Dutchman resulted in him maintaining his lead.
Behind him a battle for second place unfolded between Hamilton and Leclerc. The British driver started from third. A strong run through turn one allowed him to close up behind Leclerc before squeezing past the Monegasque into turns three and four after a poor start from the Ferrari.
Further back, the other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz enjoyed a strong start on the soft tyres. With the rest of the field on mediums, the Spaniard took advantage of his early tyre advantage and passed both McLaren's to rise from sixth to fourth in the opening lap.
A pacy looking Sergio Perez tried to find his way through at the start from seventh but had to wait to make his move.
Alexander Albon in the Williams looked to capitalise on the sprint format to score some crucial points after his impressive shootout performance. From eighth on the grid, he held his spot but looked vulnerable to Alpine's Pierre Gasly from behind.
Lastly, after receiving a three-place grid-penalty after impeding Leclerc earlier in the day, George Russell made up one spot over Daniel Ricciardo and began to make his charge towards the points.
READ MORE: Russell misery continues as Mercedes star handed FURTHER penalty
Related
More F1 news
Latest F1 news
Recommended by the editors
British Grand Prix
When is the next F1 race? British Grand Prix schedule and details for 2026
Austrian Grand Prix
F1 Austrian Grand Prix 2026 results: Final classification after late penalties applied
Austrian Grand Prix
Ferrari 'dice roll' cost Lewis Hamilton at Austrian Grand Prix
George Russell
George Russell battled failure in Mercedes F1 car during Austrian GP victory
Races
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2026
-
Grand Prix of China 2026
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Bahrain 2026
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026
-
Miami Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2026
-
Grand Prix De Monaco 2026
-
Gran Premio de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2026
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2026
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2026
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2026
-
Dutch Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2026
-
Gran Premio de España 2026
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2026
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2026
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2026
-
Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2026
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2026
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Editorial & corporate information
Avenue HQ
10–12 East Parade
Leeds
LS1 2BH
United Kingdom Regional correspondence
View contact page