News

Verstappen Extends Sprint Dominance in Austin as McLaren Suffer Double DNF

Published
Nigora Umarova
Nigora Umarova
International Department Journalist
Formula 1 Sport
Nico Hulkenberg clipped Oscar Piastri, who in turn struck Lando Norris
COTA Sprint

Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive Sprint victory at the Circuit of the Americas after a dramatic 19-lap race that saw chaos on the opening lap and both McLarens eliminated within moments of the start.

The Dutchman led from pole, managing his tyres and the heat throughout, while George Russell pushed hard in the early stages before settling for second. Carlos Sainz completed the podium with a composed drive that salvaged valuable points for Williams.

McLaren’s Nightmare Start

The Sprint began in sweltering conditions, with track temperatures soaring above 40°C. As the lights went out, Verstappen made a clean getaway, but behind him, the drama unfolded instantly.

Nico Hulkenberg clipped Oscar Piastri, who in turn struck Lando Norris. Both McLaren cars were out before the end of the first lap, with Hulkenberg limping back to the pits. The collision brought out the Safety Car, marking the end of a disastrous Sprint for the Woking outfit.

«It was just unlucky,» said Norris afterwards. «I got taken out — there wasn’t much more I could have done.» Piastri echoed the sentiment, saying, «I had a good start, tried to cut back, and got hit. Not the start to the day we wanted.»

Early Exits and Safety Cars

Fernando Alonso, who had impressed in qualifying, was also forced to retire after contact with Hulkenberg. Yuki Tsunoda ran over debris but managed to continue, while marshals worked hard to clear the track.

When racing resumed on Lap 6, Verstappen immediately pulled clear, though Russell briefly challenged with DRS a few laps later. The Mercedes driver made a bold attempt into Turn 12, both cars running wide, but the stewards deemed no further action was necessary.

Leclerc, meanwhile, survived the opening chaos and fought his way up to fifth after a tight battle with team mate Sainz and Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari pair struggled for outright pace, with Hamilton eventually passing Leclerc to secure fourth.

Strategy and Heat Take Their Toll

With no pit stops required and all cars starting on medium tyres, tyre management was crucial under the Texas sun. Verstappen reported sliding and rear grip issues but kept control of the race, while Russell’s tyres began to fade after his early attack.

Sainz held firm in third, keeping Hamilton at bay, while Alex Albon impressed in sixth for Williams. Tsunoda climbed from 18th to seventh despite his early drama, and young Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed the final point after late-race penalties reshuffled the order.

More Chaos, More Safety Cars

The race’s closing stages brought yet more incident as Lance Stroll attempted an ambitious move on Esteban Ocon into Turn 1, locking up and spinning the Alpine around. Both cars were forced to retire, prompting a second Safety Car.

The Sprint eventually ended behind the Safety Car, with Bearman penalised ten seconds for leaving the track while defending against Antonelli, losing his points finish.

Verstappen Tightens the Title Chase

With his third straight Sprint win in Austin, Verstappen closed the gap to championship leader Piastri to 55 points, taking eight valuable points from a chaotic afternoon. Russell’s second place added crucial points for Mercedes, while Sainz’s strong drive gave Ferrari reason to smile after recent struggles.

As the chequered flag fell, the atmosphere in the paddock remained tense. Questions lingered over who was to blame for the McLaren collision, and whether Verstappen’s dominance could continue into Sunday’s Grand Prix.

For now, though, the reigning champion once again proved his mastery under pressure — calm amid the Austin storm.

Kursiv also reports that George Russell delivered a commanding drive under the floodlights of Marina Bay on October 5, taking victory at the Singapore Grand Prix and securing his second win of the 2025 season.

Related Materials
Zak Brown Calls Claims He Opposed Oscar Piastri Signing ‘Ludicrous’
Uzbekistan Enters Race to Host Future Formula One Grand Prix
Read also