Verstappen Capitalizes on McLaren Collision at Austin GP
AUSTIN, TX – Max Verstappen extended his lead in the Formula 1 championship standings following a chaotic sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas, capitalizing on a first-lap collision between McLaren teammates Lando Norris adn Oscar Piastri. The incident, also involving Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, occurred during the first braking zone and resulted in damage to both McLaren cars. Verstappen secured his 13th sprint victory,gaining an eight-point advantage over his rivals.
The collision has prompted McLaren team principal Zak Brown to reiterate the team’s internal “papaya rules” – a code of conduct reportedly clear to management but frequently enough misinterpreted by drivers – emphasizing competition without contact. Brown placed the primary blame for the incident on hulkenberg, calling it “some amateur thing.”
Despite the setback, Norris will start Sunday’s Grand Prix (9:00 p.m. Dazn) from second position, while Piastri qualified sixth. Verstappen secured pole position for the seventh time this season. Carlos sainz will start ninth and Fernando Alonso tenth.
The incident highlights ongoing tension between Norris and Piastri, who are locked in a tight battle for championship points, with McLaren currently leading the constructors’ championship. brown is expected to meet with both drivers to reinforce team expectations.
