US Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc sets Austin practice pace from Max Verstappen

Mercedes have reverted both their cars to the upgraded specification that was introduced in Malaysia two races ago but about which there remain questions over its relative performance.

The team believe that the upgrade has more performance within it, but that they have not yet found the appropriate set-up to maximise it. They hope a full, ‘normal’ weekend with three practice sessions will enable them to hone it.

Ferrari have an upgrade here which is fundamentally a new floor. Both Leclerc and Hamilton played down its potential impact.

Hamilton said: “We have a very, very small upgrade this weekend. It’s less than a tenth. It’s like half a tenth.

“So, I don’t think that propels us forward enough to necessarily challenge that deficit. But maybe the track suits our car, and maybe they’ll have a one-off weekend. Maybe Mercedes will have an off weekend again, and we’ll be right there to take it.”