Calm like Max Verstappen (Red Bull). Deprived of victory since the Spanish round in June, the Dutchman recalled the good memories of his domination by easily winning the sprint race in Austin on Saturday evening. A format that he appreciates, since the three-time world champion has been undefeated in the exercise for a year. Despite an error on the last lap which allowed Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) to overtake him, Lando Norris (McLaren) retained his place on the podium.
The blunder at the worst time. As Formula 1 comes out of four weeks of inactivity, Norris had the opportunity to resume his march forward in the United States to challenge the (already upset) supremacy of Verstappen. Fourth on the grid, the Bristol native had managed the takeoff particularly well and found himself second at the exit of the first corner. A position he thought he held with authority… until his blunder. An unfortunate wheel lock at the start of the last lap, which allowed Sainz to take the runner-up position from the untouchable Verstappen, to whom he conceded two points.
The Ferraris put on a show
Untouchable, because Verstappen didn’t have to do much to win his fourth sprint race of the season. Faster than his competitors in qualifying, the Batavian was content to set his pace in the lead. He took the checkered flag 3.8 seconds ahead of Sainz.
The latter had to struggle to climb onto the podium at the end of the 19 laps. His quest began with a battle with Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) who, despite his call for calm on the radio, ended up giving in to the tenacity of his teammate. The Spaniard’s comeback ended with his successful overtaking of Norris in the final few meters of the race.
A sign that the Ferrari is running well, Leclerc took fourth place ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, the Haas drivers sharing the last points in the top 8. Note the nice comeback of Oscar Piastri (McLaren) from 16th in 10th place, just behind Sergio Pérez (Red Bull). Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon (Alpine) follow each other in 14th and 15th rows.
