Charles Leclerc didn't just win the 2024 United States Grand Prix; he basically hijacked it within twelve seconds of the lights going out. While the world was busy staring at the front-row slugfest between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, the Ferrari driver saw a gap, took a gamble, and vanished into the Texas heat.
It was a masterclass. Honestly, it's the kind of drive that reminds you why they call him "Il Predestinato" back in Italy.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is notorious for its steep, wide climb into Turn 1. It invites chaos. On that Sunday in October, the chaos arrived right on schedule. Norris, starting from pole, tried to squeeze Verstappen. Verstappen, being Verstappen, lunged up the inside. Both went wide. Leclerc, sitting pretty in fourth, didn't hesitate. He hugged the apex, found the traction, and emerged from the corner in the lead before anyone could even blink.
Why the Ferrari 1-2 Actually Happened
It wasn't just luck at the start. Ferrari brought a car to Austin that simply stopped eating its tires for breakfast. For years, the Scuderia has been fast on Saturday and "where did the pace go?" on Sunday. Not this time.
The SF-24 was a rocket ship. Carlos Sainz, Leclerc's teammate, managed a perfect undercut on Verstappen. By lap 31, the two red cars were leading the pack, comfortably pulling away from the championship contenders. It was Ferrari’s first 1-2 finish on American soil since 2006. Back then, it was Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa doing the honors at Indianapolis. Think about that for a second.
- Winner: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Second Place: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- Third Place: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – following a penalty for Lando Norris
Most people focus on the winner, but the real drama was happening roughly twenty seconds behind Leclerc.
The Verstappen vs. Norris Controversy
You've probably seen the replays. Lando Norris was hunting down Max Verstappen for the final podium spot. With a significant tire advantage, the McLaren was clearly faster. But Max is a defensive wall.
On lap 52, they went side-by-side into Turn 12. Both cars left the track. Norris emerged ahead, but the stewards weren't having it. They slapped him with a five-second penalty for "leaving the track and gaining an advantage."
Was it fair? It depends on who you ask. McLaren argued that Max forced Lando off. Red Bull argued Lando shouldn't have completed the pass while off-track. Basically, it was a mess. But because Norris couldn't pull a five-second gap before the checkered flag, he dropped to fourth, handing Verstappen a gift-wrapped podium.
Surprising Facts from the 2024 USGP
People forget that Lewis Hamilton’s weekend was a literal disaster. He spun out into the gravel at Turn 19 on just the third lap. He later said he’d never spun in a race like that before. It was a bizarre end for a guy who usually dominates in Austin.
Then you have Liam Lawson. The guy hadn't been in the car all year, started from the back of the grid due to engine penalties, and somehow carved his way up to ninth. It was a statement drive that basically told the paddock he belongs in a full-time seat.
Franco Colapinto also snagged a point for Williams. The rookie finished 10th after a massive opening stint on the hard tires. It’s rare to see two "new" guys outperform seasoned veterans in the points, but Austin 2024 was weird like that.
Strategic Nuance: The One-Stop Gamble
COTA is usually a two-stop race because the asphalt is abrasive. However, Pirelli's 2024 compounds held up surprisingly well. Leclerc won on a Medium-to-Hard strategy, pitting on lap 26.
Sainz went earlier, on lap 21, to jump Verstappen. This "undercut" worked because the hard tires warmed up instantly. If you were watching the sector times, you’d see Sainz purple-ing the sectors the moment he came out of the pits. That was the nail in the coffin for Red Bull’s hopes of a win.
What This Result Changed
Before Austin, it looked like McLaren might run away with the Constructors' Championship. After this Ferrari 1-2, the math changed. Ferrari moved within striking distance of Red Bull for second place. It proved that the upgrades they brought to Monza and Singapore were the real deal.
Leclerc’s win wasn't just another trophy; it was a signal. It told the grid that the "Big Three" battle—McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari—is as tight as it’s been in the hybrid era.
If you're looking to understand the 2024 season, don't just look at the points. Look at the tire management. Ferrari won because they figured out how to make the rubber last without sacrificing the raw speed.
How to Watch the Next One
If you're planning on catching the next United States Grand Prix, keep an eye on Turn 1. It’s where races are won and lost.
- Check the tire deg: If a car looks "planted" in the high-speed Esses (Turns 3-6), they’re the ones to watch for the win.
- Follow the undercuts: In Austin, pitting three laps early can gain you two seconds.
- Watch the stewards: Track limits are always a nightmare here.
Ferrari left Texas with 55 points—a record for them in a single weekend including the Sprint. Leclerc looked like a man who finally has the car he deserves. He didn't make a single mistake. He just drove away.
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To stay ahead of the curve on F1 results, keep a close eye on the Friday practice long-runs. That’s usually where Ferrari reveals their true race pace before the drama of Sunday actually unfolds.