Overview
- Max Verstappen won the Austin Sprint and Grand Prix, cutting Oscar Piastri’s lead to 40 points and closing to 26 behind Lando Norris.
- He said the title is possible only if Red Bull delivers faultless weekends, crediting recent upgrades for the RB21’s broader pace.
- McLaren left Texas under pressure after a Sprint collision between its drivers, strategy issues for Lando Norris, and another off‑pace race for Oscar Piastri.
- Team principal Andrea Stella indicated McLaren would consider team orders only if a mathematical case demands it.
- Five races remain — Mexico, São Paulo and Qatar include sprints — expanding the points available and raising the chance of large swings in the standings.