In an enthralling Sprint Race held in Austin on October 18, 2025, Scuderia Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc demonstrated competitive spirit, finishing in fourth and fifth places, respectively. The race commenced with a chaotic scene at the first corner, where a multi-car collision eliminated both McLaren drivers and Fernando Alonso, allowing Hamilton and Leclerc to ascend through the field, concluding the first lap in fourth and fifth positions.
The incident led to the deployment of the Safety Car due to debris scattered across the track. Leclerc’s car sustained minor damage at the rear as a result of contact with Isack Hadjar, who was involved in the initial collision. On lap nine, Hamilton overtook Leclerc, who had gone wide at turn five and picked up dirt, putting Hamilton in pursuit of Carlos Sainz, who was in third place. As the race progressed, another Safety Car was summoned on lap 17 when a collision occurred between Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon, ultimately locking in the final positions without any changes.
During qualifying, Leclerc and Hamilton both showcased impressive performances. In the first qualifying session, a crash by Hadjar led to a red flag just 10 seconds in, yet both Ferrari drivers advanced to the next phase with Leclerc clocking in at fourth fastest and Hamilton at eighth. In Q2, both drivers moved seamlessly into the final phase, with Hamilton using an extra lap to gauge the car’s performance. The final session saw Leclerc and Hamilton encounter challenges with their first attempts, but their subsequent runs secured them third and fifth positions, respectively.
Reflecting on the day, Charles Leclerc expressed optimism about the improvement in the car’s performance during the Sprint Race compared to previous days. He acknowledged a mistake that cost him a position to Hamilton but remained confident about their insights gained for the next race. Meanwhile, Hamilton noted the positivity of the day, highlighting a good pace during the Sprint and a smoother qualifying session. Both drivers are now gearing up for a demanding race day, aiming to capitalize on their starting positions and deliver strong results at one of Hamilton’s favorite tracks, cheered on by passionate fans.
With both drivers evident in their determination to compete fiercely, the stage is set for an exciting showdown in the main event tomorrow. Their performances reflect strong potential for Scuderia Ferrari, making for an exhilarating Sunday at the Grand Prix.