Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the sprint race of the United States F1 GP while the two McLarens of Australian Oscar Piastri and Briton Lando Norris, who are fighting for the world title, had to retire.
The two teammates actually collided at the first corner during a major pile-up. The German Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) hit Piastri, whose car was lifted before falling on that of Norris.
The impact was quite violent since the Briton’s right rear wheel was torn off before rolling for a long time on the track, while the Australian’s right front suspension was broken.
After this incident, the safety car was deployed for six laps to clear the debris littering the track and on the restart, Verstappen held on to the lead and never let go.
Verstappen’s pressure
The reigning four-time world champion, who finally beat the Briton George Russell (Mercedes) and the Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Williams), took the opportunity to take 8 points from the two McLaren drivers and put pressure on them in the title race.
“I had a good start, and after the intervention of the safety car, it took me a few laps to find my rhythm and I think we will have to be faster if we want to win the Grand Prix tomorrow (Sunday),” said Verstappen.
Thanks to this 13th sprint race victory, “Mad Max” is respectively 33 and 55 lengths behind Norris and Piastri.
McLaren mechanics now have a few hours to repair the two heavily damaged cars to allow them to take part in qualifying scheduled for 4 p.m. local (11 p.m. in Switzerland).
