VERSTAPPEN WINS AGAIN AND REDUCES THE GAP TO McLAREN, FERRARI IS BACK ON THE PODIUM
Verstappen dominates the United States weekend, winning both the Sprint and the main race. The Dutchman reduces the gap to Piastri, the current world leader, to 40 points. The two Papaya drivers first collided, scoring 0 points in the Sprint, and then struggled throughout the race. Norris limited the damage and finished second. Leclerc, thanks to a super aggressive strategy, fought brilliantly with the British McLaren driver, only to have to surrender and finish third.
GIOVANNI’S COMMENTARY
The Grand Prix was once again very monotonous and uninspiring. The weekend started with a Sprint Race run almost entirely under Safety Car conditions. The only excitement came at the first corner, thanks to the incident involving the two Papaya cars. There was little excitement in the main race, other than the battle between Norris and Leclerc.
Red Bull is clearly recovering. It was a perfect weekend for both drivers. Verstappen took maximum points and reopened the championship fight, reducing the gap to 40 points. The Dutchman has shown, based on his performance in these latest races—also thanks to the McLaren crisis caused by fear of winning—that he can fight until the very end for his fifth world title. Tsunoda, despite two uninspiring qualifying sessions, mounted a comeback and secured crucial points for the Constructors’ Championship.
McLaren continues to disappoint, and the two drivers keep causing disasters. At the start of the Sprint race, Hulkenberg hit Piastri, triggering a chain reaction that also involved Alonso and Norris. The German made what I consider a risky move that left Piastri with no chance; unable to disappear, he was hit dead centre. In the main race, Norris salvaged what he could, while Piastri recovered a few positions without making much of an impact. The two McLaren drivers seem to be short-circuiting. The Papaya team is afraid of winning; Piastri seems mentally calmer and attempts moves more often, while Norris avoids risks, as shown in his battle with Leclerc.
At Ferrari, after a disastrous start, Leclerc saved what could be saved, bringing home a great podium and important points. The fight for the Constructors’ Championship will be a tight one until the last race. The Maranello-based team finishes the weekend with a full passing grade.
Mercedes struggled slightly but still saw Russell ahead of his teammate and solid in bringing points to the team. Antonelli drove a great race but was involved in an incident—though he was faultless—which compromised his run. The Silver Arrows must now try to gain as many points as possible to defend their second place in the world standings.
Alpine is once again the back marker of the group. The French team seems to have entered an endless tunnel. It was another anonymous race from both drivers.
Hulkenberg’s Sauber is recovering and scored points again. The German started very strongly in Sprint qualifying, but his move at Turn 1 threw away the chance to score more points. In the race, the number 27 finished eighth and once again secured points, which he hadn’t done since the British GP.
Racing Bull has lost some competitiveness compared to recent races. This drop in form is largely unexplained, as both drivers are struggling more. The goal is certainly to find the right path as soon as possible.
At Haas, Bearman demolished Ocon once again. The Frenchman should start worrying about the arrival of the Briton. Driver number 31, in my opinion, has never been a driver who deserves to be in F1, and he is now proving it fully.
At Aston Martin, Alonso continues to fight like a lion, always getting the best out of his car. Stroll was once again colourless.
Finally, Williams had a mixed performance. Sainz was exciting in the Sprint race and qualifying, but a serious mistake in the main race nullified an excellent weekend that would have seen him ahead of his teammate again. The British team, a noble fallen champion of recent years, is recovering, and this is only good for F1.
Author: Gabriele Bovio