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Leclerc and Hamilton’s differing theories behind Ferrari’s Austin qualifying disappointment

Ferrari had been pegged as the team to beat after practice at the United States Grand Prix, but ultimately found itself wanting when it came to qualifying and failed to find enough progression through Q3.Charles Leclerc had headlined both Friday…

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 11:58 PM
Leclerc and Hamilton’s differing theories behind Ferrari’s Austin qualifying disappointment
Key Things to Know
  • Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton offered differing explanations after Ferrari qualified fourth and fifth for the United States Grand Prix.
  • Leclerc blamed falling track temperatures for Ferrari's inability to get tyres into the optimal operating window during Q3.
  • Hamilton believed Ferrari lost out primarily on straightline speed due to power unit and electrical deployment deficits.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton offered differing explanations after qualifying fourth and fifth for Ferrari at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, despite topping all three practice sessions. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured pole position ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen as Ferrari's competitive pace faded during Q3.

Leclerc attributed the drop in performance to falling track temperatures, which made heating the tyres difficult. Conversely, Hamilton reported having a good out-lap and clean final run, arguing instead that Ferrari lost roughly three to four tenths of a second on the straights due to power unit deficits.

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