Verstappen claims 50th career win in United States Grand Prix

Freshly-minted triple world champion Max Verstappen completed a hat-trick of Texan victories on Sunday when he claimed the 50th win of his career in a tense and strategic United States Grand Prix. 

The 26-year-old Dutchman, who started sixth on the grid in his Red Bull car, worked his way through the field to take control before he came home 2.225 seconds ahead of resurgent seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.

Verstappen, who won his third straight title last time out in the sprint at Qatar, said: “Starting from sixth position made things a little more difficult.

“To win my 50th Grand Prix, I’m very proud.”

Hamilton was pleased with his drive in the Texan sunshine.

“A fantastic weekend guys, really well done. We’ve got work to do in lots of different areas but let’s keep pushing, thank you to everyone back at the factory, let’s keep pushing we are getting closer” Hamilton told his team.

Lando Norris, in his 100th Grand Prix, finished third for McLaren, after a thrilling race in which he had out-started pole-sitter Charles Leclerc of Ferrari to lead, ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari, Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull, and Leclerc. 

It was Verstappen’s third consecutive victory at the Circuit of the Americas and brought him level with last season’s record tally of 15 wins.

George Russell, also in his 100th race, was seventh in the second Mercedes ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll, who had started in the pit-lane in his Aston Martin. 

Yuki Tsunoda finished 10th for Alpha Tauri and secured an extra point for fastest lap.