Leclerc Earns Driver of Day Honors at 2025 US Grand Prix Amid Ferrari's Mixed Weekend

Charles Leclerc earned the Driver of the Day award at the 2025 United States Grand Prix, finishing on the podium in third place after starting in third and successfully defending his position against Lando Norris for much of the race. Leclerc's strategic start on soft tires gave him an early advantage, allowing him to overtake Norris and maintain his position for a significant portion of the race, showcasing a masterclass in defensive driving despite eventually being overtaken. Max Verstappen dominated the event, starting from pole position and winning the race with superior pace and excellent tire management, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout. The race weekend highlighted Leclerc's strong performance amid Ferrari's mixed pace, emphasizing his contribution in securing a vital podium finish for the team. Separate from the race, a driver change was announced for the 2025 World Driving Championship in New Zealand, with Giampaolo Minnucci replacing Antonio Simioli for Italy. This championship is distinct from Formula 1, involving harness racing legends and occurring later in the year.