Leclerc says Ferrari progress brings win within reach

Charles Leclerc finished second in the United States Grand Prix in Austin, 13 seconds behind winner Kimi Antonelli, and said recent progress with his Ferrari had made him more comfortable in the car. The Ferrari driver said he had improved how he drives and sets up the car over the last two or three races. He described the combination as a step forward and said he believed Ferrari could have a chance to win before the 2026 season ends. He cautioned that converting that progress into a victory would depend on fine margins and the upgrades planned by rival teams. Leclerc began the race from fourth and fought with Max Verstappen on the opening lap. He said Verstappen surprised him at Turn 15, and that low battery charge would have made it difficult to keep the Red Bull driver behind for long. Leclerc later lost position to Verstappen before recovering places in the closing stages. After a two-stop strategy, Leclerc passed Lando Norris and then Verstappen to take second. He said he had asked his engineer about Antonelli’s pace while trying to close the gap, but believed time spent behind Verstappen and Norris had hurt his chances. Even with clear track ahead, Leclerc said, he did...