US Grand Prix build-up LIVE: F1 comes to town as stars descend on COTA

F1 FP1 Results: US Grand Prix 2024

1. Carlos Sainz [Ferrari] - 1:33.602sec
2. Charles Leclerc [Ferrari] - +0.021sec
3. Max Verstappen [Red Bull] - +0.253sec
4. Lando Norris [McLaren] - +0.266sec
5. Oscar Piastri [McLaren] - +0.306sec
6. Lewis Hamilton [Mercedes] - +0.361sec
7. George Russell [Mercedes] - +0.491sec
8. Kevin Magnussen [Haas] - +0.494sec
9. Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin] - +0.510sec
10. Yuki Tsunoda [VCARB] - +0.711sec
11. Nico Hulkenberg [Haas] - +0.762sec
12. Pierre Gasly [Alpine] - +0.773sec
13. Liam Lawson [VCARB] - +0.841sec
14. Alex Albon [Williams] - +1.016sec
15. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin] - +1.017sec
16. Sergio Perez [Red Bull] - +1.036sec
17. Esteban Ocon [Alpine] - +1.204sec
18. Valtteri Bottas [Kick Sauber] - +1.439sec
19. Franco Colapinto [Williams] - +1.646sec
20. Zhou Guanyu [Kick Sauber] - +3.617sec

Having won two of the last four races, Lando Norris finds himself within touching distance of Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the Drivers' Standings.

Will he close the gap this weekend?

A reminder that after FP1, we have Sprint Qualifying starting at 10:30pm BST.

Tune in for live updates with us later this evening. 

Here we go.

We're about to see cars on the track for the best part of a month.

Welcome back Formula 1...

... minus Daniel Ricciardo.

Haas are rolling out a new livery at the US GP this weekend and it's patriotic.

The American team's cars will be sporting red, white and blue amongst the usual black.

Valtteri Bottas belives he should secure his Sauber seat for the 2025 and beyond.

The team currently have a place up for grabs alongside Nico Hulkenberg next season.

Speaking to reporters this week in Austin, the Finnish driver claims he is the man for the job.

Bottas said: “I love Formula 1 and I want to race in Formula 1, so naturally it’s a bit of an odd situation.

"But that’s where we are. I’ve had lots of time to think about different things but still I'm always positive, I always stay positive because I feel and believe that I should be in that seat.

"I feel like I would be best for the interests of the team so that’s why I’m staying positive.”

Here's a reminder of your podium last time around, as Max Verstappen took the chequered flag in 2023.

1st - Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2nd - Lando Norris (McLaren)

3rd - Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

We are nearing the action in Austin.

Free Practice 1 starts at 6:30pm GMT.

British hero Lewis Hamilton has found some time in his schedule to visit an NFL team and take part in practice. 

While over in the US, the current Mercedes driver has been with the Denver Broncos.

The 39-year-old is co-owner of the team, alongside the Walton-Penner family, after investing in 2022.

As stylish as usual, Lewis Hamilton has turned up to the track in Austin looking sharp.

The seven-time champ is decked out in denim and looking very much the cowboy.

via Instagram

Youngster Franco Colapinto is also driving until the end of the season, vying for a place in Formula 1. 

The Argentine is taking part for Williams this weekend but with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon already confirmed as Williams' driver pairing for 2025, the 21-year-old faces an uncertain future. 

VCARB have replaced Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.

However, the rookie New Zealander will face a difficult start to his F1 campaign this weekend, after it was revealed he will serve an engine penalty at COTA.

At the moment, McLaren lead the Constructors' Championship with Red Bull close behind.

All eyes will be on the big boys in Austin.

Here are the top five heading into this weekend:

Welcome to GPFans' LIVE coverage of the United States Grand Prix weekend, with Sprint Qualifying coming from the Circuit of the Americas in Texas...