Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
F1 drivers face major new track limits challenge at United States Grand Prix
20261023-0937
(Photo: Race Pictures)

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is predicting a busy day for the stewards at the United States Grand Prix.

Brown saw his two drivers off the pace in Free Practice 2 in seventh and eighth, following Lando Norris’ third in FP1.

Charles Leclerc led both sessions, and he was one of the only drivers not to struggle with track limits.

Multiple lap times were deleted, particularly in FP2, even for drivers in as good form as back-to-back race winner Max Verstappen and championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

In fact, one such incident even saw George Russell investigated for forcing Leclerc off the Austin circuit.

Zak Brown predicts track limits trouble at United States Grand Prix

Commenting on a tricky session, Brown told Sky: "Everyone is struggling, sliding around. Everyone is struggling to keep it on the black stuff at the moment.

"This could be an interesting race when it comes to track limits. Keeping it on the black stuff will be a challenge for everyone."

Despite the difficulties, Brown was still pleased with what he saw.

He added: "Lando's definitely much quicker than his lap time. I think we're much quicker than we look.

“I don't think our lap times at the moment are representative of our total pace.”

Lando Norris believes McLaren have more pace than results suggest

Giving his take on the session, Norris added: “Yeah, it's just difficult. Just impossible to pull it all off together.

“There are signs of good pace at the minute, but to go into qualifying now and be able to repeat that every lap and do it on demand is just too difficult.

“I'm sure it's the same for everyone, honestly. I think we just need to make some small tweaks to the car. Nothing crazy.

“It's tough, and maybe our car, at the minute, the handling is just a little bit difficult to get right.

“So maybe small things in a few different areas can help us out. But the pace is there or thereabouts, so we can still be optimistic going into tomorrow.”

You may like

FIA announce massive grid penalties for TWO F1 drivers with US Grand Prix verdict

gpfans.com 21 minutes ago

Billy Monger refuses to give up on F1 dream nearly ten years after losing both legs in horror crash

Mirror 12 minutes ago

14 F1 drivers boycotted US Grand Prix and all fans given full refund

Express 3 hours ago

Lewis Hamilton 'forced' to stay in F1 until he is 45 by huge announcement

gpfans.com 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton delivers strong statement as Charles Leclerc gives brutal Ferrari verdict - F1 New...

gpfans.com 3 hours ago

F1 LIVE: Max Verstappen hits out at 'unacceptable' problem as three drivers break rules

Express 34 minutes ago

Max Verstappen responds after Ferrari drivers deride ‘nonsense’ Hadjar claim

planetf1.com 25 minutes ago

Lewis Hamilton's public support of Ferrari means nothing - actions speak louder than words

Express 2 hours ago