Verstappen leaves nothing on the table in America

Max Verstappen reminded everyone at the Circuit of the Americas why he remains Formula One’s benchmark, delivering a flawless display across the weekend to claim both the sprint and main race victories.

In a season that has seen McLaren’s dominance and Ferrari’s occasional flashes of brilliance, Verstappen’s drive in Austin was a statement of total control — a message that the Red Bull machine is back to its ruthless best.

From Friday’s qualifying session, the Dutchman looked untouchable, executing laps with surgical precision. He led the sprint from lights to flag before repeating the performance on Sunday, turning what was expected to be a close fight into a demonstration of supremacy.

With the victories, Verstappen extended his lead in the championship standings, now sitting less than 50 points behind title leader Oscar Piastri, who once commanded a staggering points advantage over the rest of the field.

Since the summer break, Verstappen has been nothing short of extraordinary. While McLaren entered the second half of the season as clear favourites with the fastest package, Verstappen’s consistency, precision and sheer racecraft have exposed the inexperience and inconsistency of both Piastri and Lando Norris.

Where the McLaren duo have faltered under pressure, Verstappen has thrived, refusing to concede an inch. His recent performances have shown that while others rely on upgrades, Verstappen relies on instinct, confidence, and the kind of mechanical sympathy that few in the sport possess.

The RB21 may no longer be the untouchable RB19 that won 21 out of 22 races back in 2023, but in Verstappen’s hands, it might as well be.

Verstappen wasn’t the only Red Bull-affiliated driver to impress in Texas. Yuki Tsunoda produced one of his best races of the season, climbing several positions to finish in the points after a strong midfield showing.

The Japanese driver’s racecraft and composure suggested a newfound maturity, something increasingly visible since Laurent Mekies took over leadership duties at Red Bull’s sister team.

Tsunoda struggled heavily with acclimating to the RB21 since his promotion, but managed to find a window of performance in Austin that previously seemed unattainable.

The results have been telling. Since Mekies’ appointment, the team has steadily improved across all fronts: sharper strategy calls, fewer operational errors, and a clearer sense of purpose. Tsunoda has also spoken about the bond he formed with Mekies during his time at Red Bull.

Perhaps a familiar supportive figure was the missing piece for Red Bull’s second-driver challenge.

In the first half of the season, Red Bull appeared fragmented. Internal rumours and lingering tension surrounding Christian Horner’s leadership cast a long shadow over their performances. Mistakes crept in, both in the pits and on the track, and for the first time in years, Red Bull looked vulnerable.

But after the summer reset — and with Mekies bringing a calmer, more structured tone to operations — the transformation has been undeniable. Under Mekies, attention has returned to what truly matters in Formula 1: results.

As the paddock heads towards the final rounds of the season, the balance of power seems to have shifted once more. McLaren may have the quicker car, Ferrari the occasional flash of brilliance, but neither can match Red Bull’s newfound cohesion.

And at the centre of it all stands Max Verstappen, a driver who, when in form, leaves absolutely nothing on the table — not even in Texas.