Max reigns after initial chaos: Verstappen wins Sprint

Formula 1 is back. After a two-week break, the "big circus" returned to the United States and landed in Austin, Texas, where the Circuit of the Americas promises to be crucial in the final tally of this Championship. Still with a say in the title defense, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) came out swinging in the United States Grand Prix, taking pole position for this Saturday's Sprint, even on a track that, in theory, favors McLaren. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completed the podium, while Nico Hülkenberg (Kick Sauber) surprised with a fourth-place finish, marking his best qualifying result of the season and his first top-10 finish in a Sprint.

“It was a good qualifying session. We were very close in every segment, trying to get it right when it mattered, which isn't easy because you're using the soft compound without any reference points. Everything went well, but I still expect it to be a tough battle tomorrow [Saturday] in the Sprint. I think that's exactly what we want to see. I'm excited for tomorrow and happy with today [Friday]. The wind was inconsistent, with strong gusts. The track is also very bumpy, so the cars can easily play tricks on us at high speeds. In qualifying like this, you have to leave some margins here and there, but for us, this was a very good day. We'll just try to get a good start. The first corner is also wide, and I hope we have good pace in the race, but we'll find out tomorrow,” shared the Dutchman after qualifying for this Saturday's race.

Let's take a look at our #F1Sprint grid for tomorrow! ????‍????

Our top three in the championship will line-up in the first three places ???? #F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/FB4GW4G1ZH

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 17, 2025

The Sprint race started at full throttle, with Verstappen holding onto first place, and behind him, Norris and Piastri collided at the first corner. The two McLarens eventually retired from the race, along with Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), who ended up in a runaway, following the incident at the start, which also involved Hülkenberg. The safety car was called out, and after it came out, the Dutchman held the lead against an attack from George Russell (Mercedes). With Carlos Sainz (Williams) now more than two seconds ahead, the Red Bull and Mercedes continued a fierce battle, with the world champion holding the advantage, who managed to hold off the Brit's attacks. Behind, it was the Ferraris' turn to enter the fray, with Lewis Hamilton ahead of Charles Leclerc.

LAP 1/19

What a DRAMATIC start to this Sprint, with a first corner collision between the top-two in the championship! ???? #F1Sprint #USGP pic.twitter.com/eVRnFjzFuZ

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 18, 2025

With Max Verstappen setting the fastest laps, his lead began to widen, reaching 2.5 seconds with five laps remaining, at which point Sainz began to be pressured by Hamilton, who took advantage of DRS to close the gap. The Spaniard accelerated again and left the former world champion behind for good. On lap 16, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Esteban Ocon (Haas) were involved in a first-corner accident due to a mistake by the Canadian, and were also eliminated from the race. Due to this incident, the safety car had to be deployed again but ultimately stayed, with the drivers finishing behind him. Max Verstappen ended up smiling, taking the victory ahead of George Russell, with Carlos Sainz completing the podium.

MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE AUSTIN SPRINT! ?????????

The Dutchman wins a dramatic race! ????‍???? #F1Sprint #USGP @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/SZ3eu4R5Ma

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 18, 2025