Max Verstappen has given title contender Lewis Hamilton more gap on the Drivers’ Standing after winning the United States Grand Prix that took place at the Circuit of Americas in Texas. It was a good day for team Red Bull as both drivers made podium with Sergio Perez finishing third. Hamilton finished at second place while his teammate, Valterri Bottas came sixth.

The race witnessed some action between Verstappen and Hamilton, who qualified P1 and P2 respectively for the race. Hamilton gained the lead just after the first corner but Verstappen regained it after some time. And so it went, Hamilton taking the lead and Verstappen displacing him. The action is the type you’d expect from two drivers who want to finish with the World Championship title this year.

This marks Verstappen’s first GP win in the US. With five more races to go for the season, the Dutch is in a good position to win his first world title. He currently leads Hamilton with 12 points. That gap could easily be closed in just one race. So Verstappen is anything but free at this point.

If Mercedes fails to produce the World Championship winner this season, they might have the Constructor Championship title to console themselves with.  They currently lead Red Bull with 23 points. If Hamilton and Bottas make podium in the remaining five races of the season, Mercedes just might win it. Hamilton’s new engine, for which he took a penalty in the last race, is doing some good work. Even though Hamilton did not finish first, he has just shown us that he has a better chance for winning the World Championship for a record eighth time. The race is far from over and it is still a bit early to make predictions.

Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari their highest position in the face after he finished fourth with teammate Carlos Sainz coming seventh. McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo came fifth while his teammate Lando Norris finished eighth. Yuki Tsonda and Sebastian Vettel complete the final top 10 finishers.

Written by: Leon Osamor