Max Verstappen continued his march into the Formula One championship battle by cruising to victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The lights-to-flag win completed a perfect weekend in Austin for the resurgent Red Bull driver after he also won Saturday’s sprint from pole.
Lando Norris sealed second after winning a race-long tussle with Charles Leclerc in the closing stages as the British driver reduced McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s championship lead to 14 points after the Australian finished only fifth.
Verstappen’s 33 points from the weekend mean he has reduced his own deficit to Piastri to 40 points – from 63 – following the costly collision during the sprint which dumped both McLarens out.
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F1 title race storm as Piastri says there will be ‘consequences’ for Norris over Singapore collision
F1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Max Verstappen wins in Austin; Norris 2nd; Leclerc 3rd
- Oscar Piastri's gap in the world championship now stands at 14 points
- PASS! Norris takes back second with key move (Lap 21/56)
- START! Leclerc overtakes Norris at turn 1
- Verstappen won the Saturday sprint after both McLaren cars crashed out
NEW: Carlos Sainz receives five-place grid drop
00:17
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Kieran Jackson
Sainz was forced to retire after hitting Kimi Antonelli early on in the race.
He was deemed to be at fault by the stewards but because he retired - and a 10-second penalty wasn’t possible - the Williams driver will receive a five-place grid drop for the next race in Mexico City.
TOP-10 IN DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP
07:00
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Kieran Jackson
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 252 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 192 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 89 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 41 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 39 points
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
06:00
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Kieran Jackson
On tough weekend: “It’s a result which is important after not scoring any points in the sprints, it’s confirmed we had the pace to compete for the win. Without Lando with Leclerc, it would have been an interesting fight with Verstappen for the win.
“Overall, not what we wanted but some encouraging results.
Can you keep top two in championship? “Definitely, that’s the mission, that’s what we are working up for, we’ve learned things. This will be important for the finale of the season – definitely optimistic.”
READ: Inside George Russell’s new Mercedes deal – and why Brit is now poised for F1 title charge
04:00
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Kieran Jackson
By Kieran Jackson
For all the column inches and social media conjecture throughout most of this year’s Formula One season, George Russell has seldom looked rattled at the myriad of questions thrown his way. Week after week, with a smile and an eyebrow arched, the 27-year-old has repeatedly knocked back suggestions of a shock exit from Mercedes despite the 2025 season, and his original deal, just six rounds from a conclusion.
Yet there was no rush. Once Max Verstappen had committed to Red Bull for next season, officially back in July, it was simply a formality, and now both Russell and 19-year-old Italian teammate Kimi Antonelli have penned fresh terms with Mercedes.
Full piece below:
NEW: F1 extends deal with Austin to host United States Grand Prix
03:00
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Kieran Jackson
F1 has extended its deal with Austin to host the United States Grand Prix.
The race was first hosted at the Circuit of the Americas in 2012 and has since become one of the sport’s biggest events, hosting nearly half a million fans year-on-year.
Now, F1 has extended its deal with the Texas circuit – originally due to expire after next year’s race – for another eight years to 2034.
Jenson Button on Piastri's dip in form:
02:00
,
Kieran Jackson
The pressure builds when things start going wrong; it’s difficult to find your way out of that scenario.
“This is pressure no racing driver feels until you’re fighting for a title in Formula 1.”
Oscar Piastri bullish over F1 title chances: ‘I’d rather be where I am’
01:00
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Kieran Jackson
“I’d still rather be where I am than the other two,” Piastri said.
“Definitely Max and Red Bull have found a lot of pace since the summer break as well. We saw flashes of it at the start of the year, but it’s been consistent since then.
“I’ve been in fights that were as close or at this point even closer than what they are now. So I’ve got the evidence for myself that things can still turn out well and I still fully believe that I can win the championship.
“This weekend has obviously been tough and the gap has come down a little bit in the last few weekends.”
Oscar Piastri on whether McLaren should now prioritise one driver:
23:59
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Kieran Jackson
“I mean, I dunno.
“I don’t think so – we’re still incredibly tight, we both wanted an opportunity to fight for the championship because we deserve it, I think it’s far too close to start picking one or the other.”
RACE REPORT: Max Verstappen closes in on stunning F1 title comeback after perfect weekend in Austin
22:59
,
Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen continued his march into the Formula One championship battle by cruising to victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The lights-to-flag win completed a perfect weekend in Austin for the resurgent Red Bull driver after he also won Saturday’s sprint from pole.
Lando Norris sealed second after winning a race-long tussle with Charles Leclerc in the closing stages as the British driver reduced McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s championship lead to 14 points after the Australian finished only fifth.
Time for the podium!
22:35
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Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen’s 68th victory then - and now he’s just 40 points off Oscar Piastri in the title race!
And the familiar sounds over the last few years of the Dutch and Austrian national anthems.
Max Verstappen after his victory:
21:58
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Kieran Jackson
On race: “An unbelievable weekend for us.
“The pace between me and Lando was really close, I could eek out a bit of a gap. We kept it in the lead and incredibly proud of everyone.”
On title tilt: “For sure, the chance is there – we just need to try and deliver these kind of weekends until the end. It’s exciting and I’m excited until the end.”
Top-10 in US Grand Prix:
21:50
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Kieran Jackson
1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
5) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
6) George Russell - Mercedes
7) Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
8) Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
9) Ollie Bearman - Haas
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
Max Verstappen after his win:
21:45
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Kieran Jackson
“Yeah well done mate, unbelievable weekend, really good, thank you very much everyone.
“Really happy with that, let’s try and keep this momentum up.”
Top-3 in the drivers' championship
21:39
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Kieran Jackson
1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 346 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 332 points (-14)
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 306 points (-26)
But Verstappen now just 40 points off Piastri...
Max Verstappen wins the United States Grand Prix
21:38
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Kieran Jackson
A peerless few days in Texas for Verstappen - he wins the US Grand Prix and narrows the gap even more to Oscar Piastri in the championship!
Lando Norris takes second and is now just 14 points off Oscar Piastri! Charles Leclerc takes third, with Lewis Hamilton missing out on a podium again in fourth.
5-10: Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Alonso
Final lap (Lap 56/56)
21:36
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Kieran Jackson
Verstappen’s lead is 7.3 seconds as he readies himself for the final lap.
A perfect weekend for the Dutchman is about to conclude...
Norris beyond DRS range (Lap 53/56)
21:35
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Kieran Jackson
Didn’t take long... Norris is already two seconds clear of Leclerc!
Second place looks secure now for the McLaren driver.
Norris takes second place! (Lap 51/56)
21:30
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Kieran Jackson
Norris gets it done!
Norris has so much more speed down the back straight and this time he goes down the inside at turn 12!
Back up to P2 for Lando - and three more points potentially!
Leclerc’s engineer: “Keep the pressure on, he has three strikes.”
Not done yet...
Norris surges down the inside at turn 1 (Lap 51/56)
21:29
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Kieran Jackson
Bold move from Norris - he surges down the inside but Leclerc cuts back in and keeps second!
Now down to turn 11...
Norris within 0.5 seconds (Lap 51/56)
21:28
,
Kieran Jackson
Here’s your race then, folks. The race for second.
How much will Lando Norris put it all on the line?
Norris back within a second (Lap 50/56)
21:26
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Kieran Jackson
Tell you what, Lando Norris is making his final fling for second place!
Norris is now back within DRS range of Leclerc!
Can he earn three more championship points here?!
Top-10 look well set (Lap 47/56)
21:24
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Kieran Jackson
Verstappen’s lead is now 6.6 seconds and, despite his tyre failings, has a comfortable margin.
But the entire top-10 have healthy leads to the cars in front. The only thing is: will Lando launch another assault on Leclerc?
Top-10 with 10 laps to go: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Alonso
Norris drops back (Lap 43/56)
21:17
,
Kieran Jackson
Norris has given up the ghost, at least for now.
He’s going to let the tyres cool - and he’s dropped back beyond two seconds to Leclerc.
Verstappen still has a seven-second lead, even though he’s now moaning about “sliding a lot.”
Norris sliding around (Lap 41/56)
21:13
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Kieran Jackson
Norris: “Tyres are gone.”
Ah dear. Music to the ears of Leclerc. Still the gap is under one second.
Verstappen’s lead is seven seconds now, with Hamilton 10 seconds off Norris in third.
Piastri? No man’s land in fifth, six seconds off Hamilton.
6-10: Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Alonso
Norris within DRS of Leclerc again (Lap 39/56)
21:10
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Kieran Jackson
Here we go again then!
Much like 25 laps ago, it’s Norris right on the gearbox of Leclerc, who’ll have to pull out all the tricks to keep second place here.
Only thing in his corner is that Norris can’t afford to go off the track, otherwise he’ll get a five-second penalty due to previous violations.
Bearman almost crashes! (Lap 35/56)
21:03
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Kieran Jackson
Bearman looked to make a move on Tsunoda for seventh, but gets it all wrong and hits the dirt, spinning at turn 15, but Tsunoda somehow avoids the Haas!
Bearman: “He moved under braking!”
Bearman then gets passed by Hulkenberg and is down to ninth...
Max Verstappen pits (Lap 34/56)
21:02
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Kieran Jackson
A clean stop for the Red Bull driver - 2.6 seconds - and he comes still in first, with a five second lead of Charles Leclerc - but the Ferrari is on older mediums.
Let’s see how this evolves. Norris trails Leclerc by 2.4 seconds...
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Albon
Norris pits (Lap 33/56)
20:59
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Kieran Jackson
A 3.8-second stop - not the best - for Norris and he comes out in fourth - behind Russell (who hasn’t pitted) but behind Leclerc again (who has!)
Norris will have to make the move on the Monegasque again...
Verstappen will probably come in here too...
Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 32/56)
20:57
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Kieran Jackson
A 2.6-second stop for the Briton and he comes out in sixth, a safe four seconds clear of Piastri.
Antonelli also dives in a bit further back in P10.
Oscar Piastri pits (Lap 31/56)
20:56
,
Kieran Jackson
The championship leader is the next frontrunner in - a solid stop and he drops to seventh.
He hasn’t had the pace all weekend but the Aussie will have to go 25 laps on used softs.
Interesting...
Leclerc passes Tsunoda for sixth (Lap 30/56)
20:54
,
Kieran Jackson
Leclerc, having already pitted, is making his way through the field and is now up to sixth, with more speed over Tsunoda.
When will the frontrunners pit? It’ll probably me for soft tyres, so they want to extend this medium phase for as long as possible...
Verstappen on team radio: (Lap 27/56)
20:50
,
Kieran Jackson
“Tyres are becoming tricky.”
Still, nothing to worry about given his advantage.
US Grand Prix
20:47
,
Kieran Jackson
McLaren keep Norris out (Lap 24/56)
20:45
,
Kieran Jackson
McLaren have backed their pace on this tyre and have kept Norris out... for the time being.
Verstappen has a monumental 11-second lead out in front.
Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Leclerc, Alonso
Charles Leclerc pits (Lap 23/56)
20:42
,
Kieran Jackson
Leclerc battles with Hamilton for half-a-lap, keeps third place, but the Monegasque pits for mediums and drops to ninth.
Will Norris pit straight away to cover him?
Norris takes second place (Lap 21/56)
20:40
,
Kieran Jackson
Finally, Norris gets it done!
Norris has superior speed and surges around the outside of the back straight, stays on the track and takes second place!
However, he has now got a black and white flag for track limits - so he has zero lives left until the chequered flag!
Leclerc defends well again (Lap 20/56)
20:37
,
Kieran Jackson
Norris goes close once more!
Leclerc just has his car positioned perfectly at turn 12 - and Norris can’t make it stick.
Norris has an issue, though, as he already has three track limit violations. You’re allowed four before you get a penalty....
Norris can't get it done (Lap 18/56)
20:35
,
Kieran Jackson
Norris is still within DRS but hasn’t got as close for a few laps now.
These two battling is working out superb for Max Verstappen, who has a 7.2 second lead already!
Further back, Hamilton is 1.8 seconds off Norris but Piastri is a lengthy four seconds off the Brit.
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Alonso
Brilliant defence from Leclerc! (Lap 15/56)
20:30
,
Kieran Jackson
Great racing!
Leclerc held position down the inside and Norris swooped back inside after the apex, but couldn’t make it stick!
Leclerc then keeps his nose ahead around sector three.
We go again the next lap...
Norris within DRS (Lap 14/56)
20:29
,
Kieran Jackson
Norris now just half-a-second out from Leclerc.
Can he make a move stick on the next lap at the back straight?!
Lando Norris making gains (Lap 12/56)
20:25
,
Kieran Jackson
That VSC has just ruined the excitement a little bit, with nobody in the top-10 within a second.
However, at 1.2 seconds, Norris is slowly closing the gap to Leclerc in second.
Out in front - Verstappen has a 3.8 second lead to Leclerc. Ideal for the Dutchman so far.
Oscar Piastri on team radio:
20:21
,
Kieran Jackson
“Concerned about front left, doesn’t look or feel great.”
Interesting - one to keep an eye on...
Green flag conditions (Lap 9/56)
20:20
,
Kieran Jackson
We’re back underway - and Leclerc (somehow) has a bigger gap to Norris then when the VSC was implemented!
The gap is 1.9 seconds, with Verstappen’s lead to the Ferrari now 2.8 seconds.
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Alonso
Virtual safety car (Lap 8/56)
20:17
,
Kieran Jackson
Ah, Carlos.
He makes a move down the inside at turn 15 but it’s not really on and he clatters into Antonelli.
The Italian is now last - and Sainz is OUT.
VSC - every car drops to 70% speed. They should be able to wheel away the Williams car safely enough...
Antonelli spins (Lap 7/56)
20:15
,
Kieran Jackson
Nightmare for Antonelli in seventh, who has dropped to plum last!
And Carlos Sainz has stopped too - did he hit the Italian?
Could well be a safety car...
Leclerc holding off Norris (Lap 5/56)
20:13
,
Kieran Jackson
Norris is right on the tail of Leclerc now, but can’t make a move stick down the back straight!
Terrific defence from the Ferrari. Meanwhile, Hamilton is within a second behind too!
All this is working perfectly for Verstappen - his lead is now three seconds!
Verstappen's lead over one second (Lap 2/56)
20:08
,
Kieran Jackson
Crucially, Verstappen has stormed out in front and is outside DRS range to Leclerc in second.
Closest gap in the top-6 is Piastri and Russell, with the Mercedes right on the rear of the Australian.
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Antonelli, Sainz, Tsunoda, Bearman
Leclerc overtakes Norris at the start!
20:05
,
Kieran Jackson
Lights out and Verstappen keeps the lead comfortably, but Leclerc makes a move stick on Norris at turn 1!
Norris drops to third, while Piastri is up to fifth ahead of Russell - who has dropped two places to sixth!
Perfect start for Verstappen - not a good one for Norris.
Formation lap:
20:02
,
Kieran Jackson
So Verstappen leads the pack around for the formation lap, with the top-two on mediums and Charles Leclerc on the soft tyre.
What will happen at turn 1 this time?!
A reminder of the starting grid in Austin:
19:58
,
Kieran Jackson
1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) George Russell - Mercedes
5) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
6) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
7) Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
8) Ollie Bearman - Haas
9) Carlos Sainz - Williams
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
11) Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
12) Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
13) Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
14) Pierre Gasly - Alpine
15) Franco Colapinto - Alpine
16) Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
17) Esteban Ocon - Haas
18) Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
19) Alex Albon - Williams
20) Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
McLaren CEO Zak Brown:
19:55
,
Kieran Jackson
On both cars on the podium: “I think we can, it won’t be easy. Yesterday was brutal day at the office, we don’t know if it’s a one or two stop.
“We don’t need to try and win this in turn one and maybe let the race come to us yesterday.”
Carlos Sainz, who starts P9:
19:52
,
Kieran Jackson
On fans cheering: “Highlight of the day. They’re on the train with us.
“Windier, different wind, it’ll be a new experience for everyone.”
United States Grand Prix
19:50
,
Kieran Jackson
It’s a big one, folks!
Max Verstappen is on pole and is looking to narrow the deficit once again to championship leader Oscar Piastri - who starts down in sixth.
Damage limitation for the Australian? Perhaps. Lando Norris, his McLaren teammate, starts in second, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third, followed by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Much like the sprint yesterday, the run going up the hill to turn 1 will be pivotal here!
Time for the US national anthem!
19:45
,
Kieran Jackson
Hell of an atmosphere on a baking hot grid at the Circuit of the Americas as the Star Spangled Banner plays out!
Liam Lawson, starting in P12:
19:43
,
Kieran Jackson
“A bit warm. Just a lot of ice around me right now, it’s close it’ll be tough for us.”
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies:
19:40
,
Kieran Jackson
On Verstappen’s car: “Max was not super happy with the sprint, we got lucky with McLaren disappearing, we didn’t quite have the pace we hoped for.
“We’re trying to unlock performance.”
On world championship: “The team is focused race by race...”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
19:32
,
Kieran Jackson
On qualifying: “We got into the rhythm, session by session. The margins were so small. Our driver didn’t have running today.
On Piastri: “Oscar, when we talk about finding the rhythm, it took a bit longer for him, there was a few places when the driving was a bit untidy. It can cost many positions. It’s about going into a racing rhythm.”
SPECIAL REPORT: How Palestine’s ‘Speed Sisters’ allowed girls to dream in the face of war
19:28
,
Kieran Jackson
By Kieran Jackson
Pondering the start of a remarkable journey, Palestinian aid worker Maysoon Jayyusi remembers the moment vividly. “I had to drive fast to avoid getting hit,” she says, matter-of-factly. “Young people and soldiers fired tear gas and threw stones at us.
“It was simple: I started driving fast to avoid getting caught.”
Full piece below:
F1 driver standings heading into Austin:
19:22
,
Kieran Jackson
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 244 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 177 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 89 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 39 points
10. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 38 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 36 points
13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32 points
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 30 points
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 28 points
16. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 22 points
17. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 20 points
18. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 18 points