LIVE: Max Verstappen Aims for Austin F1 Sprint Hat-Trick

Max Verstappen is poised to continue his dominant run in F1 Sprints at the United States Grand Prix, looking to put further pressure on championship leader Oscar Piastri. Verstappen, who has been undefeated in Austin Sprints since their introduction in 2023, starts from pole position.

Why it matters:

With Piastri starting third and Lando Norris in second, this Sprint offers a crucial opportunity for Verstappen to close the points gap in the championship standings. A strong performance here could significantly influence the momentum of the title race as the season progresses.

The Details:

• Format: The Sprint race will be a high-intensity, one-third distance of the main Grand Prix, covering 19 laps around the Circuit of the Americas.
• Strategy: There will be no mandatory pit-stops, meaning drivers will push their cars to the limit from start to finish.
• Key Players:
  • Max Verstappen: Starting from pole, he is the favorite, having a perfect record in Austin Sprints.
  • Lando Norris: Starting second, Norris will be keen to challenge Verstappen and gain ground on Piastri.
  • Oscar Piastri: Starting third, Piastri will need a strong race to defend his championship lead from the charging Red Bull and McLaren drivers.

What's next:

Fans can follow all the action and live timing through the dedicated live blog, as the drivers battle it out for critical championship points in this thrilling Saturday showdown.