TEXAS: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen bounced back from a slow pitstop to win the United States (US) Grand Prix here on Sunday and powered his team to clinch the Formula One constructors’ title.
Red Bull’s title win, with three races to spare, put an end to Mercedes’ eight-year streak, who failed to win a race in the ongoing season.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton seemed to have claimed a much-needed triumph for his team as he was leading with 15 laps to go.
Verstappen, however, reeled him with seven laps to spare and went on to win the sprint.
Ferrari, on the other hand, needed to outperform Red Bull by 19 points in US GP to keep constructors’ crown hopes alive, but Charles Leclerc was the only finisher for the team after battling his way up from 12th on the grid to finish third.
Teammate Carlos Sainz, who started on the pole position, had to retire in the first lap after a devastating collision with Mercedes’ George Russell.
Consequently, Red Bull now have unassailable 656 points to Ferrari’s 469.
Verstappen’s victory at US Open was his 13th of the season, equalling the Formula One record held jointly with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher and Vettel, and the 33rd of his career.
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