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Max Verstappen delivered another masterclass at the U.S. Grand Prix sprint on Saturday, capitalizing on a chaotic first-lap crash that wiped out McLaren’s title contenders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
The Red Bull star crossed the finish line 0.395 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Carlos Sainz third for Williams and Lewis Hamilton fourth for Ferrari.
Championship leader Piastri’s race unraveled almost immediately. Nico Hulkenberg nudged him at Turn 1, sending the Australian spinning straight into teammate Norris. Both McLarens were out before they could even settle into rhythm, handing Verstappen an early gift he didn’t waste.
The 19-lap sprint ended behind the safety car after Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll collided with Haas’ Esteban
Ocon with three laps remaining, adding another layer of chaos to an already unpredictable race.
“This start was crazy, but I stayed focused and took my chance,” Verstappen said. “Every point counts as we head into the final races, and this one gives us momentum.”
The win puts Verstappen 55 points behind Piastri heading into Sunday’s main event in Austin, keeping his championship hopes alive with five rounds — including two more sprint races — still to come.
While Verstappen’s precision and composure shone, McLaren’s weekend turned into a nightmare. Both drivers had been hotly tipped as title challengers, but a single moment of misfortune left them scoreless and reeling. The contrast couldn’t have been starker: Verstappen cruising to victory while McLaren’s championship hopes took a heavy hit.
The Red Bull ace now enters the Grand Prix with a psychological edge, while Piastri and Norris will need a clean, flawless weekend to avoid the gap widening further.
(with agency inputs)
