LIVE: 2025 F1 United States Grand Prix - Austin Free Practice 1

The sole free practice session for the United States Grand Prix sets an intriguing stage as Max Verstappen aims to further cut into Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris's championship lead. Verstappen arrives at Circuit of the Americas in strong form, having won two of the last three races, and finishing second ahead of both McLarens in the Singapore Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Austin hosts a Sprint weekend, offering 33 points instead of the usual 25, providing Verstappen a significant opportunity to extend his advantage over the McLaren duo. The championship battle is tightening, and any advantage gained or lost in this session could be crucial for the rest of the season.

The details:

• Verstappen's recent performance: The Red Bull driver has been dominant, securing victories in two of the last three rounds and a second-place finish in the Singapore Grand Prix, where both McLarens finished behind him.
• Sprint Weekend Impact: With more points on offer, the stakes for this Grand Prix are elevated, making every session, especially practice, critical for setting up a strong weekend.
• McLaren's Internal Dynamics: Lando Norris has publicly taken responsibility for the first-lap collision with Oscar Piastri at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Internal "repercussions" are expected for Norris for the remainder of the season, though the specifics remain undisclosed. This situation adds an interesting dynamic to the McLaren camp as they battle both Red Bull and their own internal challenges.

Looking Ahead:

The narratives surrounding Verstappen's charge and McLaren's internal tensions create an appetizing prelude to the 19th round of the F1 season. How each team and driver performs in this critical free practice session will offer the first glimpse into who might gain an early edge in Austin.