Max Verstappen’s commanding victory at the US Grand Prix on Sunday night in Austin has sent a powerful message to the championship contenders: the Dutch driver is on a relentless charge.
Once trailing by 104 points before the Italian Grand Prix in September, Verstappen now sits just 40 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, with Lando Norris also firmly in contention.
With five races and two sprints left, totaling 141 points, the title could very well be decided in Abu Dhabi come December 7.
A Race-Winning Start on Austin’s Fierce Corners
From the moment the lights went out at the Circuit of the Americas, Verstappen set the tone.
The first corner, a steep, blind left-hander beneath the enormous Stars and Stripes waving over the grandstands, is notorious for testing even the steadiest hands.
While the young McLaren duo of Norris and Piastri collided in Saturday’s sprint, Verstappen executed the climb flawlessly.
Starting on pole, he claimed the inside line, shut down any threats on the outside, and surged ahead, leading by 1.4 seconds after the opening lap—all while preserving his tyres.
Red Bull’s Dominance and McLaren’s Struggles
The momentum Verstappen has built since Monza has been staggering.
Red Bull’s upgrades have given him arguably the fastest car on the grid, capable of dominating across varied circuits. Meanwhile, McLaren has struggled to find consistency.
Since their last win in Holland on August 31, the team has faltered, hindered in part by internal “Papaya Rules” that have left their drivers tangled in conflicts.
Norris’s collision with Piastri in Singapore and the sprint incident in Austin highlight the cracks in their championship bid.
Verstappen’s Commanding Numbers
Verstappen’s statistics this season speak volumes. He has amassed 306 points compared to teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s 28.
In Austin, his dominance was on full display: after a clean start, he stretched his lead to 11.1 seconds by lap 25, even surviving a virtual safety car for a minor collision between Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli.
His pole-to-victory performance underscored why he remains the benchmark for excellence in Formula 1.
The Battle Behind Verstappen
Behind him, the race for the other podium spots was intense.
Norris battled Charles Leclerc and, despite pit stop delays and tyre management issues, ultimately secured second place.
Leclerc held third after fending off Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth—a strong showing for the seven-time world champion now navigating his first season with Ferrari.
Piastri, in contrast, struggled to find form, finishing well back and showing little of the spark needed to challenge Verstappen’s charge.
Hamilton Finds Comfort in Austin
For Hamilton, the Texan track seems to suit him, perhaps aided by his long-time residence in California and familiarity with the environment.
He appeared composed in his Ferrari, a welcome change from the struggles he has faced this season.
Yet despite a solid performance, he remains an outsider in the title race, with Verstappen’s momentum and Red Bull’s pace proving difficult to match.
Championship Tension Mounts Ahead
With Mexico’s high-altitude challenge looming next weekend, the pressure intensifies.
Verstappen’s Austin triumph is more than just a victory—it is a psychological statement to his rivals.
Experienced, strategic, and technically flawless, he has shown he can handle both the car and the mental game of a season-long championship battle.
The remaining races promise fireworks, but for now, Verstappen has reminded the F1 world that the title fight is far from over.