Max Verstappen once again proved he’s on another level at the US Grand Prix. He won from first on the grid, closing the gap in the Formula One championship standings. The final race of the season was held at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. Verstappen would go on to lead all 74 laps, his second consecutive performance leading every lap. After today’s win, that means he has reduced his deficit to second-place Oscar Piastri to only 40 points. That’s a huge step up from the 104-point chasm he was staring into for much of the season.
Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of impressive. He didn’t just win the series’ main race, though he took Saturday’s short sprint event. He won both victories from pole position. He showed his dominance by keeping more than a 10-second lead from his closest competitor. This control largely determined how he did during the race. His commanding presence was undeniably astounding, but a lot of his performance flew over the heads of the international television audience. He did lap after lap with almost no challengers visible anywhere.
A Steady Climb in the Standings
It was his 68th career victory and with the latest success, Verstappen is sitting on 306 points in the drivers’ championship table. This recent success comes hot on the heels of his third victory in the last four races, affirming his resurgence in form as the season nears its conclusion. At the beginning of the year he was off the pace and lost out to Piastri. His performances as of late have put him back in the mix for the championship.
It’s a very important moment for us,” Verstappen said following the race. No way we could’ve accomplished more today. His eye, though, is still on keeping this momentum going as he hopes to keep hitting home runs with still more great results in store.
When Verstappen wins and minimizes the points deficit, it further reinforces that the championship fight is very much a hard-fought competitive battle. No doubt, the opportunity exists,” he said, sharing his optimism about regaining lost ground. The 2023 season has already proved to be another firecracker, with a constant power balance between the top drivers.
Rivals Respond
Oscar Piastri, the championship leader coming into this weekend, sounded optimistic even in the face of Verstappen’s momentum. “I’d still rather be where I am than the other two,” Piastri said, referring to himself and his competitors. His consistent driving has been enough to have him leading so far, but with Verstappen closing fast, every race from here on out will be critical.
Lando Norris, a third contender for the high-stakes field, echoed the difficulties felt throughout the qualifying day. “It was tough. We did everything we could,” he commented after finishing behind his rivals. Norris’s team has been striving for consistent results but has found it difficult to match Verstappen’s pace.
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down, we will be watching closely to see how Verstappen and Piastri manage through the last races of the season. The final events of this year will be tremendously important for each of those drivers. Verstappen needs to build on this momentum, and Piastri will be looking to build on this hope.
