Verstappen Wins US Grand Prix, Completes Perfect Weekend

Max Verstappen converted pole into a lights-to-flag victory at the United States Grand Prix at COTA, completing a perfect weekend with wins in both the sprint and the main race to collect 33 points. Lando Norris finished second after a race-long battle with Charles Leclerc, who was third; Lewis Hamilton was fourth and championship leader Oscar Piastri finished fifth. Verstappen's surge cut his deficit to Piastri to 40 points with five rounds (141 points) remaining, turning the title fight into a genuine three-way contest. Strategy was decisive—most teams ran a one-stop, Leclerc started on soft tyres to defend early, and Norris was slowed by a 3.8s pit stop. Carlos Sainz retired after contact with Kimi Antonelli, while Liam Lawson narrowly missed points in 11th. With Verstappen on a run of wins and momentum, McLaren faces fresh pressure as the championship heads to Mexico next week.