Title-chasing Lando Norris topped the times ahead of Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg and his McLaren team-mate and series leader Oscar Piastri in the opening practice at the United States Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Briton, bristling after being disciplined internally by McLaren, clocked a best lap in one minute and 33.294 seconds to outpace Hulkenberg by 0.255sec and Piastri by 0.279sec as he bids to close a 22-point gap in the drivers’ title race with six events remaining.

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was fourth for Aston Martin ahead of four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, Alex Albon of Williams and Mercedes’ George Russell.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was eighth for Ferrari.

All of the leading drivers clocked their best laps on soft slick tyres in the closing minutes

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