HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the FP1 action from Austin as Sainz leads Ferrari team mate Leclerc

Carlos Sainz led his Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc at the top of the timesheets as several drivers struggled to get to grips with the Circuit of The Americas during the sole practice session of the United States Grand Prix weekend.

The two title protagonists – Max Verstappen and Lando Norris – were third and fourth respectively as they prepare to do battle once more, while Oscar Piastri placed fifth.

FP1: Sainz heads Ferrari team mate Leclerc in sole United States Grand Prix practice session as Sprint format returns

There were plenty of off-track excursions during the FP1 session with Lewis Hamilton, who ended up sixth fastest, having a hair-raising spin at high speed – a moment that would have had hearts in mouths at the Mercedes garage – while his team mate George Russell and Alpine's Pierre Gasly also found themselves pointing in the wrong direction.

Piastri was another driver to give his team a scare after he was forced to abort an attempt to pit after approaching too quickly.

With Sprint Qualifying next up in Austin, catch up on the highlights from FP1 by clicking on the video above.