LIVE F1 The 2023 US GP: Can Leclerc, Hamilton or Norris defend Verstappen?

The 2023 United States Grand Prix is underway. Charles Leclerc started in pole position alongside Lando Norris. Max Verstappen will have to fight his way from P6 on the grid to win the race, meaning he will have to overtake George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Norris and Leclerc. Norris overtook Leclerc right at the start of the race.

Verstappen must ensure that he gets through the first lap without any damage. Once he can show his pace, few drivers can keep him behind for long. This is because Verstappen simply has more pace and a good car in terms of top speed. Only the Ferrari drivers can reach a faster top speed (327 to 324 km/h), but they run out of grip after just a few laps.

Verstappen will have to look after his tyres in the first phase of the race, something Sergio Perez failed to do on Saturday. If he can pick off the drivers in front of him individually, a 15th victory is in the offing. Over 18 laps (excluding lap 1) in the sprint race, Verstappen lapped half a second faster than his nearest rival Lewis Hamilton.

It is the 100th Grand Prix for Russell and Norris. Both drivers made their Formula 1 debut at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, the Brits, who were still battling it out for the Formula 2 title in 2018, have several podiums to their name. Russell even managed to win a race.

Charles Leclerc will also celebrate the race in the United States. The Monegasque is driving his 100th race for Ferrari. In this 100th race, he gets to start from pole position for the Scuderia for the 21st time. He also managed to win five Grands Prix.