F1 United States Grand Prix: Verstappen Eyes Records as Sainz, Alonso Push for podium

No time to read?
Get a summary

At the United States Grand Prix held at the Americas Circuit, Spanish drivers Carlos Sainz from Ferrari and Fernando Alonso with Alpine are in the spotlight this weekend. The event marks the nineteenth round of the Formula 1 calendar, a race that often serves as a turning point for the final stretch of the season. Max Verstappen, already crowned champion for the second straight year, enters the weekend with a clear objective: to set additional records and finish with a dominant performance across the track and in the drivers’ standings.

With the title settled in Japan two weeks earlier in a race that proved erratic, wet, and challenging for many, attention shifts to the battle for the remaining podium positions. Sergio Perez of Red Bull and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari remain locked in a tight contest, separated by a narrow margin that keeps fans on edge as the season nears its end.

Sergio Perez finished second in Suzuka, benefiting from a teammate’s earlier advantage and a strategic penalty. He now trails Leclerc by a slim margin, holding third in the championship standings while driving to defend the Red Bull pair and, at the same time, deny Ferrari the consolation of a higher finish in the team standings. The pressure is palpable as four races stand between Perez and the race-to-race challenge of maintaining a lead in the standings, with each session influencing the broader championship picture.

Leclerc’s best results at this Grand Prix have included strong showings in recent years, and his current form reflects a steady push to keep pace with Verstappen. The Dutch driver’s combination of relentless pace and sharp strategy has remained a major hurdle for every rival. In this closing phase of the season, Leclerc is aiming to channel confidence from prior years and push Verstappen to earn every point possible, even as the competition intensifies across qualifying and the main race.

Beside them, Carlos Sainz, partnered with Leclerc in the Italian-made Ferrari, sits fifth in the World Cup with 202 points. The season has carried moments of imbalance for Sainz, including a Japan incident that complicated his campaign and created a wider gap to rivals. Yet Sainz has a historic track record of consistent performances in the Americas, a venue where he has often found reliable pace and critical points for his team. He now faces a challenge from Lewis Hamilton, another strong title contender, who remains within striking distance and is set to push hard in the coming rounds. Hamilton’s drive, marked by longevity and a hunger for more milestones, continues to keep the championship battle lively and unpredictable.

As the weekend unfolds, the focus remains on how these top drivers balance speed with tire management, pit stop strategy, and adaptability to changing weather on race day. Verstappen’s mindset in the final third of the season has shown a calm, focused approach that mirrors a veteran captain steering a high-performance machine through turbulent weather. His team will be looking to lock in fast laps, minimize mistakes, and maintain the race lead when it matters most.

Viewers who cannot attend the event in person will have multiple options to catch the action. In Spain, the broadcast of Formula 1 typically rests with major providers who partner for live coverage, and fans can count on extensive race-day analysis, pre-race build-up, and post-race breakdowns. Those without access to the main channels can still follow the live stream through official services that offer race-day streams. It is possible to track practice, qualifying, and the main race through reputable streaming services that provide real-time data and expert commentary to enrich the viewing experience.

For fans wanting a practical schedule, the F1 Japanese Grand Prix weekend structure offers a useful reference for timing and preparation, as paddock activity and practice sessions often set the stage for the U S race. On this specific weekend, the schedule includes two practice sessions on Friday with the usual cadence that fans have grown accustomed to, allowing teams and drivers to dial in their setups before the crucial qualifying session and the main race on Sunday. The rhythm of practice and qualifying remains central to understanding the race day strategy and the potential surprises that can emerge as teams push for the best grid position and race pace.

Where to watch Formula 1 races?

For those who cannot witness the spectacle from the stands, the excitement travels through television and streaming platforms. The Great Circus continues to captivate audiences with comprehensive coverage across the weekend, including practice, qualifying, and race broadcasts. While coverage models evolve with regional agreements, fans can expect robust analysis, live timing, and insightful interviews that deepen the experience beyond the checkered flag. In many markets, several broadcasters share the broadcast rights, ensuring that the action remains accessible to a broad audience without compromising on the thrill and technical depth that fans crave.

If access to traditional channels is limited, streaming options remain a reliable alternative, offering real-time race action and on-demand highlights. Live streams, complemented by real-time data and expert commentary, help fans stay connected to every turn, overtake, and strategic call as the race unfolds. The goal is to bring the circuit atmosphere to viewers wherever they are, making the weekend feel electric regardless of location.

F1 race weekend timing snapshot

Friday, October 21

Free practice 1: 21:00

Free practice 2: 00.00 hours

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Gotham Knights Review: A Bold Batman Universe Adventure

Next Article

Gladiators at MARQ: A Historic reenactment series that brings ancient Rome to life