Max Verstappen extended his F1 championship lead over title rival Lando Norris with a dominant victory in the United States Grand Prix sprint race. The Red Bull driver maintained control throughout the 19-lap race, securing his fourth sprint win of the season, keeping his unbeaten record in the format this year intact.
Carlos Sainz made a dramatic late move to overtake Norris on the final lap, securing second place and taking a crucial point from the McLaren driver. Norris, who had gained two positions with a strong start, managed to fend off Charles Leclerc’s late challenge and held onto third place, despite a near-collision with the Ferrari driver.
Verstappen’s victory marks his 11th sprint race win since the format’s introduction in 2021. He now leads Norris by 54 points in the championship standings, with six Grand Prix races and two sprint events remaining in the season.
George Russell, who initially lost ground at the start, struggled with tire wear and finished fifth, just ahead of his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg completed the points positions in seventh and eighth, helping Haas tie with rivals RB in their fight for sixth in the constructors’ standings.
Sergio Perez narrowly missed out on the points, finishing ninth, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri recovered from 16th to take 10th. As the teams prepare for Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, scheduled for 11 pm BST, the battle for points remains intense across the grid.
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