Formula 1 careens toward a three-way title fight in 2025 after Verstappen wins in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — The fight for the Formula 1 world championship is heating up under the blazing Texas sun with a charging Max Verstappen taking victory Sunday at the United States Grand Prix

AUSTIN, Texas — The fight for the Formula 1 world championship is heating up under the blazing Texas sun with a charging Max Verstappen taking victory Sunday at the United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen's perfect weekend re-establishes the Red Bull racer as a real title threat to the McLaren drivers who lead the standings, marking a major turnaround after the reigning champion all but dismissed his own prospects earlier this year.

“I know that we need to be perfect til the end to have a chance, so that’s what we just need to focus on,” Verstappen said after the race in response to a question from NBC News. “It’s super close, and just attention to detail will make the difference. Trying to get the best set-up on the car every weekend and then try not to make mistakes. So that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Completing the podium Sunday were McLaren’s Lando Norris in second place and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third place, who delivered the most entertaining wheel-to-wheel racing throughout the Grand Prix, trading places multiple times.

“Good strategy. Some good driving. And a fun race,” Norris said, while praising Leclerc for giving him a “tough” battle.