The outcome means Verstappen leads Norris by 57 points in the F1 Drivers' Championship Standings with five races remaining, having gained five points on the McLaren driver through the course of the weekend. Verstappen hasn’t won a Grand Prix in nine events but still remains firm favorite for a fourth crown.

Verstappen has won all three previous sprint races this season and has won the main race in Austin the last three years. But he hasn't won this season since the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23 and has earned just three podium finishes in that span. Verstappen at times has described his once dominant car as “undrivable” and a “monster.”

Stay informed on all the biggest stories in Formula One. Sign up here to receive the Prime Tire newsletter in your inbox every Monday and Friday. AUSTIN, Texas — Championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have renewed their battle upon Formula One’s return to the Lone Star State,