Written by Elaina Russell, Edited by Meghana Sree
The 2025 United States Grand Prix had everything that fans have come to expect from Austin: wheel-to-wheel drama, strategic intrigue, and one man in total control.
Max Verstappen dominated both the sprint and the Grand Prix while McLaren faltered, Ferrari found renewed footing and the championship narrative shifted again under the Texan sun.
Here are DIVEBOMB’s five key takeaways from race weekend in Austin.
Verstappen unstoppable as the title fight tightens
Max Verstappen celebrates a dominant victory at the United States Grand Prix | Credit: Formula One
Max Verstappen’s authority over the field at the Circuit of The Americas was total. From pole to flag, he controlled every variable: tyre wear, pit windows and the pressure behind him. It was a statement drive–his fifth win of the season, and one that reignites his late-season surge.
The Red Bull driver’s sweep–taking victory in both the sprint and the Grand Prix–marks his third straight sprint win at COTA and edges him ever closer to Oscar Piastri’s championship lead.
“The chance is there,” Verstappen said post-race. “We just need to try to deliver these weekends to the end of the year.”
As of now, the points gap sits at just 40 from Verstappen to the front of the pack. For the first time all season, McLaren can feel Red Bull breathing down their necks.
McLaren show cracks under pressure
McLaren pair Piastri and Norris salvaged some points from the Grand Prix after what’s been an otherwise forgettable weekend | Credit: Formula One
After clinching the Constructors’ title in Singapore, McLaren’s momentum hit turbulence in Texas. Both cars were eliminated on Lap 1 of the sprint after Turn 1 contact, setting a chaotic tone for the weekend.
In Sunday’s Grand Prix, Lando Norris battled back to second after a race-long scrap with Charles Leclerc, while Piastri could only manage fifth.
“We need to try and understand why the pace was lacking this weekend, but not everything was bad,” Piastri admitted. “Today was what it was.”
For a team that has looked untouchable all season, Austin was a reminder that championship runs are built as much on resilience as on raw speed.
McLaren remain favourites, but their margin for error has narrowed.
Ferrari’s redemption – at least for now
Charles Leclerc leads Lando Norris on track | Credit: Formula One
Ferrari’s campaign has been marred by inconsistencies, but Austin offered a glimmer of hope. Leclerc’s aggressive start on softs gave him an early advantage over Norris, and though he eventually slipped to third, it was a result that restored some belief.
Lewis Hamilton’s fourth-place finish completed a much-needed 27-point haul for the Scuderia–their best combined Sunday effort since Imola. After weeks of self-critique, the tone for the Maranello outfit was one of cautious optimism.
“It has been a tough second part of the year,” Leclerc reflected. “To be back on the podium here, we did well.”
With Mercedes only seven points ahead in the Constructors’ standings, Ferrari look like they’ve stablised–but consistency remains their greatest enemy.
Bearman scores at home as Alpine implodes
Haas fans had a reason to celebrate this weekend. Oliver Bearman produced a composed, intelligent drive to finish ninth and score points on home soil. The rookie’s steady hands and calm under pressure reinforced why Haas view him as a long-term project.
On the other end of the grid, Alpine’s internal chaos continues. Franco Colapinto ignored direct team orders to hold position behind Pierre Gasly, crossing the line ahead but drawing looks from the pit wall. It’s the latest chapter in a turbulent season that’s left Alpine fighting more battles internally than on track.
“It’s something we will deal with,” Steve Nielsen disclosed post-race.
Colapinto’s defiance won’t have helped his bid for a 2026 seat–especially with reserve driver Paul Aron waiting in the wings.
Colapinto showed concerns for his spot on the grid next year in a direct defiance of team orders | Credit: Formula One
Red Bull rising as the season heads to a close
While Verstappen’s victory stole the spotlight, the wider Red Bull operation looked increasingly complete. Yuki Tsunoda delivered a composed drive to finish seventh, continuing his best run of form since joining the senior team.
Together, the pair brought in a hefty 31-point haul on Sunday that closed the Constructors’ gap to Ferrari to a mere eight points.
The team’s late-season form has the paddock whispering about déjà vu: Red Bull peaking just as McLaren show vulnerability.
Looking ahead
As Formula One heads to Mexico, the pressure mounts. McLaren’s aura of control has cracked, Ferrari seem to be regrouping, and Red Bull smell blood.
With just five rounds and two sprints remaining, the championship is far from over, and Austin may have just been the turning point.