Daijiworld Media Network – Austin

Austin, Oct 18: The United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas is set to be a sizzling showdown as McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris defend their positions at the top of the F1 standings, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen closing in after a strong recent run.

Piastri enters the race winless in three rounds, with his championship lead over Norris narrowed to 22 points. Verstappen, with two wins and a second place in the last three races, lurks just behind, adding pressure. Adding to the challenge, Sunday's race has been declared a “heat hazard” event, with temperatures expected to soar above 90°F (32°C).

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman said, “It will be fun to watch. I hope it goes down to the wire for all three of them. May the best win.” Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso, a two-time champion, believes the fight will mainly be between the McLarens, though he acknowledged Verstappen’s skill.

McLaren drivers have split 12 victories this season, but their last win came at the Dutch GP four races ago. Both Piastri and Norris are expected to race freely despite their Singapore clash earlier in the season.

Verstappen, a multiple-time winner at COTA, said, “It’s a great track to drive. Sprint weekend is always hectic, but I’m curious to see what we can do.”

Mercedes’ George Russell, fresh off a dominant Singapore victory, aims to build momentum for a 2026 championship challenge under new F1 regulations, while Ferrari seeks to improve after last year’s strong performance at Austin. Charles Leclerc has been consistent with five podiums this season, whereas new teammate Lewis Hamilton is treating the weekend as a learning opportunity despite five career wins at COTA.

The Texas Grand Prix promises high drama, extreme heat, and a critical battle for the F1 championship as the season enters its final stretch.