Red Bull’s Max Verstappen tightened his grip on the 2024 Formula One world championship with a commanding victory in the sprint race at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The Dutchman led from start to finish at the Circuit of the Americas, fending off title rival Lando Norris to extend his points lead with just six races remaining.
Verstappen Untouchable in Texas
From the moment the lights went out, Verstappen stamped his authority on proceedings. The two-time defending champion surged into the lead from pole position and never looked back, controlling the pace at the front of the field. Despite the best efforts of McLaren’s Norris, who started fourth but quickly moved into second, Verstappen was always just out of reach.
“The car was just incredible today,” Verstappen said after the race. “We made some changes after struggling in the last few races and it looks like we’re back to our best. This is a great result for the team and exactly what we needed at this point in the championship.”
Norris Misses Out as Sainz Snatches Second
While Verstappen cruised to victory, the battle for the remaining podium places provided late drama. Norris looked to have second place secure, but with his tires fading, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz pounced on the final lap to steal the position. The extra points could prove crucial for Norris, who now trails Verstappen by 54 points in the standings.
“I gave it everything out there today, but in the end, the tires just went off a cliff,” a disappointed Norris explained. “Fair play to Carlos, he was quick at the end and there was nothing I could do. We’ll keep pushing and try to strike back tomorrow.”
“Lando drove a great race, but we had the pace when it mattered most. I’m really happy with second place and it’s a real boost for the team. Now we focus on the Grand Prix.”
– Carlos Sainz reflects on his last-gasp pass for second place
Mixed Fortunes for Leclerc, Mercedes Struggle
Behind the top three, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took fourth after an entertaining scrap with teammate Sainz in the early laps. However, it was a tough outing for Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell trailing home a distant fifth and sixth. The pace of the Red Bulls and Ferraris was simply too much for the Silver Arrows on the day.
- Charles Leclerc pleased with damage limitation drive to P4 after difficult qualifying
- Mercedes struggle for pace, with Hamilton and Russell well off the podium
Verstappen on Course for Title #3
With his seventh win of 2024 and the restoration of Red Bull’s form and confidence, Verstappen appears to have one hand on a third consecutive world title. There are still 172 points up for grabs over the concluding six rounds, but on current form, it’s hard to see anyone stopping the Dutchman’s march to further glory.
“Days like this remind you just how good Max and Red Bull are,” said a despondent Norris afterward. “But there’s still a long way to go in this championship. We won’t stop fighting until it’s over.”
Focus Shifts to Sunday’s Grand Prix
With the sprint race setting the grid for Sunday’s main event, Verstappen will be the favorite to do the double in Austin. However, with possible rain forecast and the notoriously unpredictable nature of the Circuit of the Americas, this captivating championship battle may still have some twists and turns to come. One thing’s for sure – you won’t want to miss the United States Grand Prix.
| 2024 F1 Driver Standings After US GP Sprint | Points |
| 1. Max Verstappen | 287 |
| 2. Lando Norris | 233 |
| 3. Carlos Sainz | 210 |
| 4. Charles Leclerc | 205 |
With the US Grand Prix marking the beginning of Formula One’s final championship push, Verstappen has once again demonstrated why he starts as favorite. But in this most unpredictable of seasons, the Fat Lady isn’t singing quite yet. Buckle up for a thrilling ride to the finish in 2024.
