Formula 1 returns to U.S. as championship fight heats up in the final stretch of 2025

Formula 1 returns to the United States for an action-packed weekend, launching a six-race stretch to close out one of the most unpredictable championship battle in years.

AUSTIN, Texas — Formula 1 returns to the United States for an action-packed weekend, launching a six-race stretch to close out one of the most unpredictable championship battles in years. It will either crown a brand-new world champion or mark the biggest come-from-behind victory in the sport's history.

The Grand Prix weekend includes a race Sunday under the Texas sun as the main event, following a shortened “sprint” race Saturday to give fans more excitement. The 20 drivers will set fast laps ahead of each contest to qualify for grid position.

McLaren has already clinched the team championship, but the coveted driver’s trophy is still up for grabs, and the British team’s two drivers are locked in an intensifying battle as both pursue their first-ever world championship, with a resurgent Max Verstappen of Red Bull giving them some tremors of anxiety.

“I would say that the two McLarens have a little bit of an advantage, just because of the points advantage. So, yeah, I would say it’s between the two of them,” said Fernando Alonso, a two-time champion driving for Aston Martin. “But Max is an incredible driver, and if there is anyone that can overcome the deficit of the car, it’s him. So, yeah, let’s see.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri leads teammate Lando Norris by 22 points — less than one race win. Norris has steadily closed the gap in the last three races, but he remains the underdog.