Charles Leclerc was voted Driver of the Day following his strong performance at the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, where he secured second place after a competitive race against Max Verstappen. The Ferrari driver’s effort earned him recognition from fans, reflecting the intensity of the battle for the podium behind race winner Kimi Antonelli.
Leclerc finished the race just behind Antonelli, who claimed a dominant victory for Mercedes AMG Petronas. Throughout the race, Leclerc and Verstappen engaged in a close contest for second place, with Leclerc briefly overtaking Verstappen early on and making a decisive pass seven laps from the finish to secure the runner-up spot. This result awarded Leclerc 18 championship points.
The fan vote for Driver of the Day was tightly contested, with Leclerc receiving 25.7% of the votes, narrowly edging out Verstappen, who gathered 24%. Antonelli, despite his race win, finished third in the vote with 18.7%. Other drivers who received notable shares of the vote included Lando Norris with 7.5% and Lewis Hamilton at 5.4%.
Leclerc’s performance in Austin marked his second consecutive second-place finish, reinforcing his position as a consistent podium contender this season. The race-long duel with Verstappen highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two drivers, with Leclerc managing to hold off the Red Bull Racing driver in the closing stages.
Kimi Antonelli’s commanding win for Mercedes was a standout moment of the race, but it was the battle behind him that captured much of the fan interest. The close vote percentages for Driver of the Day underline how competitive the fight for the podium was, with fans appreciating the efforts of multiple drivers.
The United States Grand Prix in Austin once again showcased the intensity and skill present in the Formula 1® field. Leclerc’s ability to secure second place after a challenging race against Verstappen demonstrates his resilience and racecraft. Meanwhile, Antonelli’s victory and the performances of other notable drivers like Norris and Hamilton contributed to a varied and engaging race weekend.
This fan-driven recognition of Leclerc as Driver of the Day reflects his strong showing in Austin and adds to the ongoing narrative of his season. The close margins in the vote also highlight the competitive nature of the championship battles among the top drivers and teams.