Overview
- After Austin, Oscar Piastri holds a 14‑point lead over Lando Norris, with Max Verstappen 40 points back following a sprint and Grand Prix sweep.
- McLaren has halted development of the MCL39 for the rest of the season, Andrea Stella confirmed, prioritising resources beyond 2025.
- Verstappen has won three of the past four races and added a sprint victory, helped by a new floor and front wing that sharpened the RB21’s grip and balance.
- Oscar Piastri’s recent dip included a sprint crash and P5 in the United States GP, and he has not finished ahead of Norris in a race since Zandvoort.
- Timo Glock and Jenson Button questioned Piastri’s composure under title pressure, while Piastri maintains confidence from past close championship fights and Damon Hill now sees Verstappen as the biggest threat.