Max Verstappen continued his march into the Formula One championship battle by cruising to victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The lights-to-flag win completed a perfect weekend in Austin for the resurgent Red Bull driver after he also won Saturday’s sprint from pole.
Lando Norris sealed second after winning a race-long tussle with Charles Leclerc in the closing stages as the British driver reduced McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s championship lead to 14 points after the Australian finished only fifth.
Verstappen’s 33 points from the weekend mean he has reduced his own deficit to Piastri to 40 points – from 63 – following the costly collision during the sprint which dumped both McLarens out.
Follow live updates of the US Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Max Verstappen wins in Austin; Norris 2nd; Leclerc 3rd
- Oscar Piastri's gap in the world championship now stands at 14 points
- PASS! Norris takes back second with key move (Lap 21/56)
- START! Leclerc overtakes Norris at turn 1
- Verstappen won the Saturday sprint after both McLaren cars crashed out
NEW: Carlos Sainz receives five-place grid drop
00:17 , Kieran JacksonSainz was forced to retire after hitting Kimi Antonelli early on in the race.
He was deemed to be at fault by the stewards but because he retired - and a 10-second penalty wasn’t possible - the Williams driver will receive a five-place grid drop for the next race in Mexico City.
Charles Leclerc after claiming third:
10:00 , Kieran Jackson“I was a bit worried when I saw I was the only car on softs at the beginning, I wanted free air, we gained a position which helped us a lot for the rest of the race.
“I’m very happy overall, it’s been a tough second half of the year and happy to be back on the podium.”
Lando Norris after claiming P2
08:00 , Kieran JacksonOn racing with Leclerc: “Finally! Took long enough, it was a good battle with Charles, he fought hard.
“We went much longer, I expected a slightly easier second attempt but no, it was a good fun. I have to take second, not a lot more we could have done today.”
VIDEO: Hamilton's last-lap scare
08:00 , Kieran JacksonLewis Hamilton’s final lap was a tense one 👀 pic.twitter.com/hYwx77oDl9
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 19, 2025
TOP-10 IN DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP
07:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 346 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 332 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 306 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 252 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 192 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 142 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 89 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 41 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 39 points
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
06:00 , Kieran JacksonOn tough weekend: “It’s a result which is important after not scoring any points in the sprints, it’s confirmed we had the pace to compete for the win. Without Lando with Leclerc, it would have been an interesting fight with Verstappen for the win.
“Overall, not what we wanted but some encouraging results.
Can you keep top two in championship? “Definitely, that’s the mission, that’s what we are working up for, we’ve learned things. This will be important for the finale of the season – definitely optimistic.”
READ: Inside George Russell’s new Mercedes deal – and why Brit is now poised for F1 title charge
04:00 , Kieran JacksonBy Kieran Jackson
For all the column inches and social media conjecture throughout most of this year’s Formula One season, George Russell has seldom looked rattled at the myriad of questions thrown his way. Week after week, with a smile and an eyebrow arched, the 27-year-old has repeatedly knocked back suggestions of a shock exit from Mercedes despite the 2025 season, and his original deal, just six rounds from a conclusion.
Yet there was no rush. Once Max Verstappen had committed to Red Bull for next season, officially back in July, it was simply a formality, and now both Russell and 19-year-old Italian teammate Kimi Antonelli have penned fresh terms with Mercedes.
Full piece below:
Inside Russell’s new Mercedes deal – and why Brit is now poised for F1 title charge
NEW: F1 extends deal with Austin to host United States Grand Prix
03:00 , Kieran JacksonF1 has extended its deal with Austin to host the United States Grand Prix.
The race was first hosted at the Circuit of the Americas in 2012 and has since become one of the sport’s biggest events, hosting nearly half a million fans year-on-year.
Now, F1 has extended its deal with the Texas circuit – originally due to expire after next year’s race – for another eight years to 2034.
F1 extends deal with Austin to host United States Grand Prix
Jenson Button on Piastri's dip in form:
02:00 , Kieran JacksonThe pressure builds when things start going wrong; it’s difficult to find your way out of that scenario.
“This is pressure no racing driver feels until you’re fighting for a title in Formula 1.”
Oscar Piastri bullish over F1 title chances: ‘I’d rather be where I am’
01:00 , Kieran Jackson“I’d still rather be where I am than the other two,” Piastri said.
“Definitely Max and Red Bull have found a lot of pace since the summer break as well. We saw flashes of it at the start of the year, but it’s been consistent since then.
“I’ve been in fights that were as close or at this point even closer than what they are now. So I’ve got the evidence for myself that things can still turn out well and I still fully believe that I can win the championship.
“This weekend has obviously been tough and the gap has come down a little bit in the last few weekends.”
Oscar Piastri on whether McLaren should now prioritise one driver:
23:59 , Kieran Jackson“I mean, I dunno.
“I don’t think so – we’re still incredibly tight, we both wanted an opportunity to fight for the championship because we deserve it, I think it’s far too close to start picking one or the other.”
RACE REPORT: Max Verstappen closes in on stunning F1 title comeback after perfect weekend in Austin
22:59 , Kieran JacksonMax Verstappen continued his march into the Formula One championship battle by cruising to victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The lights-to-flag win completed a perfect weekend in Austin for the resurgent Red Bull driver after he also won Saturday’s sprint from pole.
Lando Norris sealed second after winning a race-long tussle with Charles Leclerc in the closing stages as the British driver reduced McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri’s championship lead to 14 points after the Australian finished only fifth.
Verstappen closes in on stunning F1 title comeback after perfect weekend in Austin
Time for the podium!
22:35 , Kieran JacksonMax Verstappen’s 68th victory then - and now he’s just 40 points off Oscar Piastri in the title race!
And the familiar sounds over the last few years of the Dutch and Austrian national anthems.
Max Verstappen after his victory:
21:58 , Kieran JacksonOn race: “An unbelievable weekend for us.
“The pace between me and Lando was really close, I could eek out a bit of a gap. We kept it in the lead and incredibly proud of everyone.”
On title tilt: “For sure, the chance is there – we just need to try and deliver these kind of weekends until the end. It’s exciting and I’m excited until the end.”
Top-10 in US Grand Prix:
21:50 , Kieran Jackson1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
5) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
6) George Russell - Mercedes
7) Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
8) Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
9) Ollie Bearman - Haas
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
Max Verstappen after his win:
21:45 , Kieran Jackson“Yeah well done mate, unbelievable weekend, really good, thank you very much everyone.
“Really happy with that, let’s try and keep this momentum up.”
Top-3 in the drivers' championship
21:39 , Kieran Jackson1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 346 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 332 points (-14)
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 306 points (-26)
But Verstappen now just 40 points off Piastri...
Max Verstappen wins the United States Grand Prix
21:38 , Kieran JacksonA peerless few days in Texas for Verstappen - he wins the US Grand Prix and narrows the gap even more to Oscar Piastri in the championship!
Lando Norris takes second and is now just 14 points off Oscar Piastri! Charles Leclerc takes third, with Lewis Hamilton missing out on a podium again in fourth.
5-10: Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Alonso
Final lap (Lap 56/56)
21:36 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen’s lead is 7.3 seconds as he readies himself for the final lap.
A perfect weekend for the Dutchman is about to conclude...
Norris beyond DRS range (Lap 53/56)
21:35 , Kieran JacksonDidn’t take long... Norris is already two seconds clear of Leclerc!
Second place looks secure now for the McLaren driver.
Norris takes second place! (Lap 51/56)
21:30 , Kieran JacksonNorris gets it done!
Norris has so much more speed down the back straight and this time he goes down the inside at turn 12!
Back up to P2 for Lando - and three more points potentially!
Leclerc’s engineer: “Keep the pressure on, he has three strikes.”
Not done yet...
Norris surges down the inside at turn 1 (Lap 51/56)
21:29 , Kieran JacksonBold move from Norris - he surges down the inside but Leclerc cuts back in and keeps second!
Now down to turn 11...
Norris within 0.5 seconds (Lap 51/56)
21:28 , Kieran JacksonHere’s your race then, folks. The race for second.
How much will Lando Norris put it all on the line?
Norris back within a second (Lap 50/56)
21:26 , Kieran JacksonTell you what, Lando Norris is making his final fling for second place!
Norris is now back within DRS range of Leclerc!
Can he earn three more championship points here?!
Top-10 look well set (Lap 47/56)
21:24 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen’s lead is now 6.6 seconds and, despite his tyre failings, has a comfortable margin.
But the entire top-10 have healthy leads to the cars in front. The only thing is: will Lando launch another assault on Leclerc?
Top-10 with 10 laps to go: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Alonso
Norris drops back (Lap 43/56)
21:17 , Kieran JacksonNorris has given up the ghost, at least for now.
He’s going to let the tyres cool - and he’s dropped back beyond two seconds to Leclerc.
Verstappen still has a seven-second lead, even though he’s now moaning about “sliding a lot.”
Norris sliding around (Lap 41/56)
21:13 , Kieran JacksonNorris: “Tyres are gone.”
Ah dear. Music to the ears of Leclerc. Still the gap is under one second.
Verstappen’s lead is seven seconds now, with Hamilton 10 seconds off Norris in third.
Piastri? No man’s land in fifth, six seconds off Hamilton.
6-10: Russell, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Alonso
Norris within DRS of Leclerc again (Lap 39/56)
21:10 , Kieran JacksonHere we go again then!
Much like 25 laps ago, it’s Norris right on the gearbox of Leclerc, who’ll have to pull out all the tricks to keep second place here.
Only thing in his corner is that Norris can’t afford to go off the track, otherwise he’ll get a five-second penalty due to previous violations.
Bearman almost crashes! (Lap 35/56)
21:03 , Kieran JacksonBearman looked to make a move on Tsunoda for seventh, but gets it all wrong and hits the dirt, spinning at turn 15, but Tsunoda somehow avoids the Haas!
Bearman: “He moved under braking!”
Bearman then gets passed by Hulkenberg and is down to ninth...
Max Verstappen pits (Lap 34/56)
21:02 , Kieran JacksonA clean stop for the Red Bull driver - 2.6 seconds - and he comes still in first, with a five second lead of Charles Leclerc - but the Ferrari is on older mediums.
Let’s see how this evolves. Norris trails Leclerc by 2.4 seconds...
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Albon
Norris pits (Lap 33/56)
20:59 , Kieran JacksonA 3.8-second stop - not the best - for Norris and he comes out in fourth - behind Russell (who hasn’t pitted) but behind Leclerc again (who has!)
Norris will have to make the move on the Monegasque again...
Verstappen will probably come in here too...
Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 32/56)
20:57 , Kieran JacksonA 2.6-second stop for the Briton and he comes out in sixth, a safe four seconds clear of Piastri.
Antonelli also dives in a bit further back in P10.
Oscar Piastri pits (Lap 31/56)
20:56 , Kieran JacksonThe championship leader is the next frontrunner in - a solid stop and he drops to seventh.
He hasn’t had the pace all weekend but the Aussie will have to go 25 laps on used softs.
Interesting...
Leclerc passes Tsunoda for sixth (Lap 30/56)
20:54 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc, having already pitted, is making his way through the field and is now up to sixth, with more speed over Tsunoda.
When will the frontrunners pit? It’ll probably me for soft tyres, so they want to extend this medium phase for as long as possible...
Verstappen on team radio: (Lap 27/56)
20:50 , Kieran Jackson“Tyres are becoming tricky.”
Still, nothing to worry about given his advantage.
US Grand Prix
20:47 , Kieran Jackson
McLaren keep Norris out (Lap 24/56)
20:45 , Kieran JacksonMcLaren have backed their pace on this tyre and have kept Norris out... for the time being.
Verstappen has a monumental 11-second lead out in front.
Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Leclerc, Alonso
Charles Leclerc pits (Lap 23/56)
20:42 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc battles with Hamilton for half-a-lap, keeps third place, but the Monegasque pits for mediums and drops to ninth.
Will Norris pit straight away to cover him?
Norris takes second place (Lap 21/56)
20:40 , Kieran JacksonFinally, Norris gets it done!
Norris has superior speed and surges around the outside of the back straight, stays on the track and takes second place!
However, he has now got a black and white flag for track limits - so he has zero lives left until the chequered flag!
Leclerc defends well again (Lap 20/56)
20:37 , Kieran JacksonNorris goes close once more!
Leclerc just has his car positioned perfectly at turn 12 - and Norris can’t make it stick.
Norris has an issue, though, as he already has three track limit violations. You’re allowed four before you get a penalty....
Norris can't get it done (Lap 18/56)
20:35 , Kieran JacksonNorris is still within DRS but hasn’t got as close for a few laps now.
These two battling is working out superb for Max Verstappen, who has a 7.2 second lead already!
Further back, Hamilton is 1.8 seconds off Norris but Piastri is a lengthy four seconds off the Brit.
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Alonso
Brilliant defence from Leclerc! (Lap 15/56)
20:30 , Kieran JacksonGreat racing!
Leclerc held position down the inside and Norris swooped back inside after the apex, but couldn’t make it stick!
Leclerc then keeps his nose ahead around sector three.
We go again the next lap...
Norris within DRS (Lap 14/56)
20:29 , Kieran JacksonNorris now just half-a-second out from Leclerc.
Can he make a move stick on the next lap at the back straight?!
Lando Norris making gains (Lap 12/56)
20:25 , Kieran JacksonThat VSC has just ruined the excitement a little bit, with nobody in the top-10 within a second.
However, at 1.2 seconds, Norris is slowly closing the gap to Leclerc in second.
Out in front - Verstappen has a 3.8 second lead to Leclerc. Ideal for the Dutchman so far.
Oscar Piastri on team radio:
20:21 , Kieran Jackson“Concerned about front left, doesn’t look or feel great.”
Interesting - one to keep an eye on...
Green flag conditions (Lap 9/56)
20:20 , Kieran JacksonWe’re back underway - and Leclerc (somehow) has a bigger gap to Norris then when the VSC was implemented!
The gap is 1.9 seconds, with Verstappen’s lead to the Ferrari now 2.8 seconds.
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Alonso
Virtual safety car (Lap 8/56)
20:17 , Kieran JacksonAh, Carlos.
He makes a move down the inside at turn 15 but it’s not really on and he clatters into Antonelli.
The Italian is now last - and Sainz is OUT.
VSC - every car drops to 70% speed. They should be able to wheel away the Williams car safely enough...
Antonelli spins (Lap 7/56)
20:15 , Kieran JacksonNightmare for Antonelli in seventh, who has dropped to plum last!
And Carlos Sainz has stopped too - did he hit the Italian?
Could well be a safety car...
Leclerc holding off Norris (Lap 5/56)
20:13 , Kieran JacksonNorris is right on the tail of Leclerc now, but can’t make a move stick down the back straight!
Terrific defence from the Ferrari. Meanwhile, Hamilton is within a second behind too!
All this is working perfectly for Verstappen - his lead is now three seconds!
Verstappen's lead over one second (Lap 2/56)
20:08 , Kieran JacksonCrucially, Verstappen has stormed out in front and is outside DRS range to Leclerc in second.
Closest gap in the top-6 is Piastri and Russell, with the Mercedes right on the rear of the Australian.
Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Antonelli, Sainz, Tsunoda, Bearman
Leclerc overtakes Norris at the start!
20:05 , Kieran JacksonLights out and Verstappen keeps the lead comfortably, but Leclerc makes a move stick on Norris at turn 1!
Norris drops to third, while Piastri is up to fifth ahead of Russell - who has dropped two places to sixth!
Perfect start for Verstappen - not a good one for Norris.
Formation lap:
20:02 , Kieran JacksonSo Verstappen leads the pack around for the formation lap, with the top-two on mediums and Charles Leclerc on the soft tyre.
What will happen at turn 1 this time?!
A reminder of the starting grid in Austin:
19:58 , Kieran Jackson1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) George Russell - Mercedes
5) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
6) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
7) Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
8) Ollie Bearman - Haas
9) Carlos Sainz - Williams
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
11) Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
12) Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
13) Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
14) Pierre Gasly - Alpine
15) Franco Colapinto - Alpine
16) Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
17) Esteban Ocon - Haas
18) Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
19) Alex Albon - Williams
20) Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
McLaren CEO Zak Brown:
19:55 , Kieran JacksonOn both cars on the podium: “I think we can, it won’t be easy. Yesterday was brutal day at the office, we don’t know if it’s a one or two stop.
“We don’t need to try and win this in turn one and maybe let the race come to us yesterday.”
Carlos Sainz, who starts P9:
19:52 , Kieran JacksonOn fans cheering: “Highlight of the day. They’re on the train with us.
“Windier, different wind, it’ll be a new experience for everyone.”
United States Grand Prix
19:50 , Kieran JacksonIt’s a big one, folks!
Max Verstappen is on pole and is looking to narrow the deficit once again to championship leader Oscar Piastri - who starts down in sixth.
Damage limitation for the Australian? Perhaps. Lando Norris, his McLaren teammate, starts in second, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third, followed by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Much like the sprint yesterday, the run going up the hill to turn 1 will be pivotal here!
Time for the US national anthem!
19:45 , Kieran JacksonHell of an atmosphere on a baking hot grid at the Circuit of the Americas as the Star Spangled Banner plays out!
Liam Lawson, starting in P12:
19:43 , Kieran Jackson“A bit warm. Just a lot of ice around me right now, it’s close it’ll be tough for us.”
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies:
19:40 , Kieran JacksonOn Verstappen’s car: “Max was not super happy with the sprint, we got lucky with McLaren disappearing, we didn’t quite have the pace we hoped for.
“We’re trying to unlock performance.”
On world championship: “The team is focused race by race...”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
19:32 , Kieran JacksonOn qualifying: “We got into the rhythm, session by session. The margins were so small. Our driver didn’t have running today.
On Piastri: “Oscar, when we talk about finding the rhythm, it took a bit longer for him, there was a few places when the driving was a bit untidy. It can cost many positions. It’s about going into a racing rhythm.”
SPECIAL REPORT: How Palestine’s ‘Speed Sisters’ allowed girls to dream in the face of war
19:28 , Kieran JacksonBy Kieran Jackson
Pondering the start of a remarkable journey, Palestinian aid worker Maysoon Jayyusi remembers the moment vividly. “I had to drive fast to avoid getting hit,” she says, matter-of-factly. “Young people and soldiers fired tear gas and threw stones at us.
“It was simple: I started driving fast to avoid getting caught.”
Full piece below:
How Palestine’s ‘Speed Sisters’ allowed girls to dream in the face of war
F1 driver standings heading into Austin:
19:22 , Kieran Jackson1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 336 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 314 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 281 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 244 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 177 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 130 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 89 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 39 points
10. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 38 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 36 points
13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32 points
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 30 points
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 28 points
16. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 22 points
17. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 20 points
18. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 18 points
19. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 18 points
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points
21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points
F1 drivers parade
19:12 , Kieran Jackson
Martin Brundle on McLaren's chances this evening:
19:06 , Kieran Jackson“I think the McLaren will be stronger here than in the last few races - the temprature, the track, plays into their hands.
“I’d be surprised if Oscar isn’t on the podium and Lando must have a chance against Max.”
A reminder of the starting grid in Austin:
19:00 , Kieran Jackson1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) George Russell - Mercedes
5) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
6) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
7) Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
8) Ollie Bearman - Haas
9) Carlos Sainz - Williams
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
11) Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
12) Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
13) Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
14) Pierre Gasly - Alpine
15) Franco Colapinto - Alpine
16) Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
17) Esteban Ocon - Haas
18) Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
19) Alex Albon - Williams
20) Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
Constructor standings heading into the sprint:
18:53 , Kieran Jackson1. McLaren - 650 points (champions)
2. Mercedes - 333 points
3. Ferrari - 307 points
4. Red Bull - 300 points
5. Williams - 111 points
6. Racing Bulls - 72 points
7. Aston Martin - 68 points
8. Sauber - 55 points
9. Haas - 46 points
10. Alpine - 20 points
George Russell, who qualified fourth:
18:45 , Kieran Jackson“I was pretty happy with my lap, but it’s annoying when it’s 0.02 to the front row.
“Realistically, I think it’ll be very difficult to fight for more than P3. I expect Oscar to come through pretty well, overtaking is pretty good around this track. It can be anyone’s day – who knows?
“You’ve got to be dynamic off the line, you have a rough gameplan but you can’t say ‘I’m going to do this’, because you have to prepare.”
Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko:
18:29 , Kieran JacksonOn recent improvement: “Different direction from a development side, engineers asking the driver want they want. It’s Max who delivers, you can rely on that.
On Verstappen’s form: “He has confidence, the car is to his liking, that keeps his confidence, he delivers with fantastic lap times.
“Max at what stage, he lost a bit of interest, he had more interest in GT racing, Nurburgring and things like this. But now car is working, two-tenths just came from him, he’s motivated, you don’t
Oscar Piastri, after qualifying only sixth-fastest
18:15 , Kieran JacksonOn lap: “No mistakes, just didn’t get into a rhythm all session, struggled. That was about all.”
On race: “Max has looked quick all weekend, we’ll have to wait and see if this translates.
On sprint crash: “It is just a racing incident, Lando and I were a long way from the apex, impossible to see everything from there. You have to trust your gut and instinct.
On resetting: “Yeah, I think so. When you don’t have the pace you want, it’s never the nicest feeling. But there’s opportunities tomorrow, a track you can overtake on – the weekend is far from over.”
F1 sells US TV rights to Apple in $140m a year deal
18:00 , Kieran JacksonApple has landed US broadcast rights to F1 in a five-year deal that would help the tech giant bolster its streaming service with one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, following the success of F1: The Movie.
The two sides did not disclose the financial details of the deal on Friday. CNBC reported it was for $140m a year, much higher than the $90m the Walt Disney-owned ESPN was paying each season for F1, which it has broadcast since 2018.
Apple’s deal begins next year. The iPhone maker will stream F1 on Apple TV, its critically acclaimed streaming service that won 22 Emmy awards this year but lacks the scale to compete with industry leaders such as Netflix and Disney+ despite billions of dollars in investment.
Reuters
F1 boss Stefano Domeicali on new Austin deal:
17:04 , Kieran Jackson“Each year, the event at the Circuit of the Americas stands out as a true highlight for fans, drivers, and teams alike, drawing hundreds of thousands of passionate supporters who come to witness the thrilling on-track action and soak up the vibrant energy of the circuit and the city.
“As Formula 1 continues to grow and thrive in the United States, we are proud to extend our partnership with Bobby Epstein and his outstanding team in Austin, as well as with Governor Abbott, whose leadership has been instrumental in supporting the sport’s development in Texas and beyond.
“Both have shown unwavering commitment to F1, and their shared vision and investment have played a vital role in establishing the strong foundation we now enjoy in the U.S.”
Martin Brundle on Lando Norris' potential 'consequences'
16:00 , Kieran Jackson“It’s slightly odd, but I think what McLaren are doing for the sport is really good - they can race from lights out until the chequered flag, with one rule: don’t crash into one another.
“If we were in a development race, it would be Oscar getting the new parts first. If you need a slipstream, Oscar would get priority. If it’s that sort of intra-team thing, which doesn’t hand an advantage to other teams.”
Full starting grid:
15:00 , Kieran Jackson1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) George Russell - Mercedes
5) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
6) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
7) Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
8) Ollie Bearman - Haas
9) Carlos Sainz - Williams
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
11) Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
12) Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
13) Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
14) Pierre Gasly - Alpine
15) Franco Colapinto - Alpine
16) Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
17) Esteban Ocon - Haas
18) Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
19) Alex Albon - Williams
20) Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
READ: Twenty years on from Indianapolis farce, Austin spectacle typifies F1’s American boom
14:00 , Kieran JacksonFeature by Kieran Jackson
The setting is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: home to the world-famous Indy 500 race. Ahead of the 2005 United States Grand Prix, at a circuit modified for Formula One, ITV pundit and former F1 driver Martin Brundle is interviewing the sport’s long-term supremo and commander-in-chief Bernie Ecclestone on the grid. And you may well say, nothing unusual about that.
What is more unusual is Brundle’s direct, bordering on combative, line of questioning. A huddle of camera crew and journalists huddle around, eager for answers. Because F1’s only race in the land of the free is about to become a farce. Out of 20 cars, only six are set to take to the start line. For the sport and its tempestuous 55-year relationship with the US, it is the ultimate moment of “lunacy”, as Brundle depicts it.
“The future of Formula One in America?” asks Brundle. “Not good,” Ecclestone replies.
It is a far cry from where the sport is stateside now.
Twenty years on from Indiana farce, Austin spectacle typifies F1’s American boom
Max Verstappen moves into F1 world title picture after super Saturday in Austin
13:00 , Kieran JacksonMax Verstappen moved further into the F1 title picture by winning Saturday’s sprint and clinching a dominant pole position for Sunday’s race in Austin after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri suffered a costly collision.
The Dutchman charged to pole position in qualifying by almost three tenths from Norris as championship leader Piastri could manage only sixth to cap off a miserable Saturday for the Australian.
Norris was no match for Verstappen but will be heartened to have Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton between him and title rival Piastri on the grid for the 56-lap race as he seeks to cut the 22-point gap in the standings.
Max Verstappen moves into F1 world title picture after super Saturday in Austin
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:
11:00 , Kieran JacksonOn attempts to sign Verstappen: “There wasn’t any ‘on purpose’ flirting, it’s clear we needed to have the conversation - we ended up in the same place in the summer, it was destabilising for everyone, but we move on now and everything is sorted.
On 2026: “I’m so happy that these cars that we finally get rid of them, we go back to something that is hopefully easier to understand - I’m happy we’re changing.”
On Russell/Verstappen in 2027: “Certainly good entertainment for everyone! But we don’t want to create any rumours, and it’s a good line-up.”
George Russell convinced he has the best seat in Formula One at Mercedes
10:00 , Kieran Jackson“I think if every single seat was available right now and I could choose any single seat to race for the 2026 season I would choose Mercedes,” Russell said.
“I think a number of drivers would do so as well.
“Nobody can foresee what’s going to happen in the future and I’m sure there are going to be big uncertainties and unknowns going into next year and surprises, good and bad.
“But you can only make a decision based on the information you have in the moment and with all the info I have, I’m super happy.
Christian Horner ‘played a character’ at Red Bull, claims Susie Wolff
09:00 , Kieran JacksonSusie Wolff has suggested that Christian Horner “played a character very well” during his time running the Red Bull team and that the allegations surrounding him were “a real shame” for F1.
Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull F1 team principal back in July after 20 years and 14 world titles at the team he built from the bottom up.
He officially left last month, having received an £80m pay-off, and Laurent Mekies was installed as his replacement as both chief executive and team principal.
Full quotes below:
Christian Horner ‘played a character’ at Red Bull, claims Susie Wolff
Christian Horner rumours are distracting for Ferrari, says Lewis Hamilton
04:00 , Kieran JacksonHamilton believes that talk of Horner replacing Fred Vasseur is not helping their cause.
“It is a little bit distracting for us as a team,” Hamilton said ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
“The team have made it clear where things stand in terms of re-signing Fred. Fred and the whole team are working really hard on the future of the team.
“I don’t know where the rumours have come from so I can’t really shed much light on that. These things naturally aren’t helpful. I know everyone back at the factory is working really hard and these kind of rumours can be distracting.
“For me it is trying to keep the focus on the goal in front of us and building next years car so that we can have better execution and better performance.”
Lando Norris to face ‘repercussions’ after Singapore collision with Oscar Piastri
03:00 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris will face “repercussions” after McLaren held him responsible for the first-lap collision with Oscar Piastri in Singapore.
“Lando has taken responsibility for that,” Piastri said. “I think it’s quite clear for us as a team that how lap one unfolded wasn’t how we want to go racing.”
Norris accepted the team’s decision to blame him for the incident. He also suggested that the unspecified consequences dealt out to him would be noticeable.
“The team held me accountable for what happened, which I think is fair,” Norris said. “Then we made progress from there on and understanding what the repercussions were for myself.
What time is the United States Grand Prix?
Sunday 19 October 2025 00:36 , Kieran JacksonThe race in Austin starts at 8pm (BST) on Sunday.
Charles Leclerc after claiming third:
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:59 , Kieran Jackson“It was a big surprise, we put everything in there. There was a big swing in performance, we learned a lot in the sprint race.
“Our car is usually stronger in the race than qualifying. Not sure if it’s strong enough to stay with the McLarens or Max.”
Lewis Hamilton, who qualified fifth:
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:58 , Kieran Jackson“I was struggling with the balance from the get-go, I had massive understeer. I added eight holes of front wing, with that understeer, it made it really difficult.
“Overall, an improvement for us as a team - we made a step forward today, would have loved to be higher, let’s hope we can get there tomorrow.”
Lando Norris who starts in second:
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:46 , Kieran Jackson“It was more of a struggle today, struggling to be as good as this guy, it could have been worse - no chance we were going to be a pole today.
“Don’t get hit [tomorrow]! Hope to have a good race with Max.”
FULL QUALIFYING RESULT
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:36 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen and Norris on the Front Row! 🍿
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 18, 2025
Here's your starting grid for the Grand Prix 💪#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/uBiv37KGz2
Max Verstappen after claiming pole:
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:33 , Kieran Jackson“The car was very strong, it’s very hot and very strong winds. First sector tail-wind is challenging, first run in Q3 was good. A very strong result.
“The car was moving around a lot more, it was a lot harder today. You can’t commit as much as you usually can.”
Top-10 in Austin qualifying
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:20 , Kieran Jackson1) Max Verstappen - Red Bull
2) Lando Norris - McLaren
3) Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4) George Russell - Mercedes
5) Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
6) Oscar Piastri - McLaren
7) Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
8) Ollie Bearman - Haas
9) Carlos Sainz - Williams
10) Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
Max Verstappen on pole for the US Grand Prix!
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:13 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen couldn’t set a second lap as Red Bull screwed up the timings - but it didn’t matter!
Lando Norris in second, 0.291 secs off Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc in third.
Oscar Piastri down in sixth!
4-10: Russell, Hamilton, Piastri, Antonelli, Bearman, Sainz, Alonso
Max Verstappen on provisional pole
Saturday 18 October 2025 23:06 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen goes P1 after the first set of laps - and by some distance!
Four-tenths is the difference to Lando Norris in second, with George Russell in third.
3-10: Russell, Antonelli, Bearman, Sainz, Piastri, Alonso, Hamilton, Leclerc
Leclerc had a spin at the final turn. However, they will all come in and go again...
5:00 to go in Q3.
Q3 underway
Saturday 18 October 2025 22:59 , Kieran JacksonHere we go then - who will be on pole in Austin?
10 drivers involved: Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Leclerc, Russell, Antonelli, Alonso, Bearman, Sainz
Tsunoda out in Q2
Saturday 18 October 2025 22:53 , Kieran JacksonWhile Max Verstappen is P1, his Red Bull teammate is out in Q2 - only 13th for the Japanese driver.
Bottom-five (11-15) and out in Q2: Hulkenberg, Lawson, Tsunoda, Gasly, Colapinto
Ollie Bearman makes the top-10...
Top-3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris
Russell up to P6
Saturday 18 October 2025 22:49 , Kieran JacksonThat’s pretty solid from Russell - he goes up to sixth.
Big moments for Yuki Tsunoda then, who remains in the bottom-five.
2:00 left in Q2..
Russell in bottom-five
Saturday 18 October 2025 22:45 , Kieran JacksonFirst laps in Q2 are in and a surprise - George Russell is in the bottom-five right now.
Only P12 for the Mercedes man.
Current bottom-five (11-15): Lawson, Russell, Tsunoda, Colapinto, Gasly
There’s time though - 6:00 left in Q2.
Lando Norris on team radio:
Saturday 18 October 2025 22:40 , Kieran Jackson“I’m going to need a new steering wheel for the next run, the whole grip has come off.”
More issues for Lando...
Q2 underway
Saturday 18 October 2025 22:36 , Kieran JacksonPlenty of cars out queuing at the end of the pit-lane as we get underway with the second phase of qualifying.
VIDEO: Stroll crashes into Ocon in sprint
Saturday 18 October 2025 21:55 , Kieran JacksonStroll has received a five-place grid penalty for tomorrow’s race after this mad move.
BIG contact between Stroll and Ocon 👀 pic.twitter.com/8InAQj1uba
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 18, 2025
Qualifying approaches
Saturday 18 October 2025 21:50 , Kieran JacksonSo after a tough morning for McLaren, it’s a big session for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Can one of them usurp Max Verstappen’s dominance so far in Austin?
We’re about to find out!
Lando Norris after crashing out of the sprint
Saturday 18 October 2025 21:46 , Kieran Jackson"I just got hit, right? I did nothing wrong. Further back things happened and I just got unlucky and got hit because of it.
“I don't know. I need to look a bit more carefully. It's more people further back just being a bit careless and we are the consequence of that."
SPRINT RACE REPORT:
Saturday 18 October 2025 20:30 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided with each other on the first lap again as the title rivals were both dumped out of the United States sprint.
The build-up to the weekend has been dominated by the “consequences” imposed by McLaren on Norris after the team held him responsible for banging wheels with Piastri in Singapore a fortnight ago.
That minor tap paled into insignificance compared to the carnage at turn one of Saturday’s sprint in Austin as Norris was left with only three tyres on his car.
Full piece below:
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collide in sprint carnage at US Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth:
Saturday 18 October 2025 20:15 , Kieran Jackson“The feeling was much better today. I did a big mistake and almost ended up in the wall in turn five. Starting from P10, without the thing at the start, it would have been very difficult. We need to focus on qualifying and do a better job.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
