Overview

• Max Verstappen swept the Austin Sprint and Grand Prix to reduce Oscar Piastri’s lead to 40 points, with 26 to Lando Norris and five races plus two sprints remaining.
• The Sprint start triggered a chain collision that eliminated both McLarens, and in the Grand Prix Norris took P2 as Ferrari and Mercedes siphoned off points that could shape the title chase.
• Verstappen said the championship is still “possible,” while Red Bull attributed its resurgence to improved car understanding and steadier leadership under Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner’s departure.
• McLaren launched a review into Piastri’s muted pace, citing conservative ride height, possible undetected sprint damage and COTA’s traits, and the team is not planning further upgrades.
• Race officials fined Red Bull about €50,000 after a staffer tried to remove McLaren’s grid‑marking tape for Norris, a pre‑start incident with no sporting impact.