F1 United States Grand Prix LIVE: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under investigation

Max Verstappen defied Lewis Hamilton to win a cat-and-mouse United States Grand Prix at a sizzling Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

Verstappen has been on easy street this season, but the triple world champion was made to fight for the 50th win of his career – becoming only the fifth driver to reach a half-century.

Indeed, at one stage, Hamilton dared to dream of ending a losing streak which stands at 686 days and counting. Yet, as so often been the case this year, Verstappen’s speed in his all-conquering Red Bull machine came to the fore.

He moved ahead of Lando Norris on lap 28 of 56 to all but seal the win. Hamilton might bemoan a questionable strategy decision which saw him lose 10 seconds to Verstappen in the opening round of pit stops. But in reality, he probably did not have the pace to stop the Dutchman from claiming his 15th wins from the 18 rounds so far.

Follow reaction from the United States Grand Prix with The Independent

F1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX - RACE REACTION

• Max Verstappen wins the United States Grand Prix; Hamilton 2nd; Norris 3rd

• BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc face shock disqualification from United States GP

• Click HERE for the top-10 in Austin

• Verstappen booed by American fans on podium after victory

• GREAT MOVE! Max Verstappen takes the lead from Lando Norris

• OVERTAKE! Lewis Hamilton up to second

• START! Norris takes the lead at lights out

• Both Haas and Aston Martin cars started from the pit lane

• Prince Harry in attendance at the Circuit of the Americas

• Max Verstappen won the sprint race on Saturday

BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc disqualified from United States GP

01:50 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been disqualified from Sunday’s United States Grand Prix after breaching the rules governing the floor of their cars in a shock end to the race weekend.

Hamilton and Leclerc, who finished second and sixth respectively in the 56-lap race won by Max Verstappen, were being investigated by the stewards following a plank wear inspection in Austin.

Full story below:

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc disqualified from United States GP

BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc face shock disqualification from United States GP

00:56 , Kieran Jackson

More below:

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc face shock disqualification from United States GP

Max Verstappen booed by American fans on podium after victory

23:14 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen was loudly booed on the podium after his victory at the US Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 2023 world champion started sixth on the grid but after eventually passing leader Lando Norris halfway through the race, Verstappen held off a late challenge from 2021 nemesis Lewis Hamilton to claim his 50^th Formula 1 win.

Yet as he walked out onto the top step of the podium, the Dutchman was booed by sections of the fanbase in Austin.

Full story below:

Max Verstappen booed by American fans on podium after victory

Lando Norris after finishing third:

23:02 , Kieran Jackson

Asked can you win this year: “Unlikely. Qatar was our best opportunity. That’s why I was tough on myself, because I knew it was an opportunity.

“Vegas is still a big question but there’s no high-speed circuits. But the slow speeds are slowing us down. When it comes together, which probably won’t be this year, but next year...”

Lewis Hamilton after finishing second:

22:49 , Kieran Jackson

“We should’ve stopped before Lando, I don’t know why we didn’t... the deficit was so hard. We’ve got some work to do.

“But other than that, it’s a step forwards. We need to pick up on some areas, the pit stops were not great and strategy maybe, but it’s right there!

“Verstappen started sixth and he was out in front. They are still ahead, and they’re not developing now - they’re just chilling. We’ve got a huge amount of work to do.”

Max Verstappen defies Lewis Hamilton to edge United States Grand Prix victory

22:40 , Kieran Jackson

Race report

Max Verstappen defied Lewis Hamilton to win a cat-and-mouse United States Grand Prix at a sizzling Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

Verstappen has been on easy street this season, but the triple world champion was made to fight for the 50th win of his career – becoming only the fifth driver to reach a half-century.

Indeed, at one stage, Hamilton dared to dream of ending a losing streak which stands at 686 days and counting.

Yet, as so often been the case this year, Verstappen’s speed in his all-conquering Red Bull machine came to the fore.

Full report below:

Max Verstappen defies Lewis Hamilton to edge United States Grand Prix victory

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:

22:26 , Kieran Jackson

“Painful. The upgrade worked, a good step. Directionally, it’s a very good sign.

“Hindsight is a tough thing... we knew we needed four more laps. Just frustrating.

“We are all in this together. We need to take the positives. The whole team is in pain but now we’re going to a few tracks which should help the car.

“Quickest car on track, that’s the positive we need to take.”

Time for the podium!

22:13 , Kieran Jackson

Another rendition of the Dutch and Austrian national anthem here for Max Verstappen’s 15th win in Formula 1!

Joined by two Brits on the podium at COTA!

I’m afraid to say some boos and chants during the Dutch national anthem! And a few boos when Verstappen lifts the trophy...

Lando Norris after finishing third:

22:05 , Kieran Jackson

“Just not enough today... I’m happy, it was a good race from my side. The pace at the beginning was strong, but I just couldn’t hold on. Progress every weekend but some more steps needed.

“Maybe a cooler track would’ve suited us a bit more but I’m happy, the team still did an excellent week.”

Lewis Hamilton in interview after finishing second:

21:58 , Kieran Jackson

“I was hopeful, but we needed some more laps.

“I’ve always loved the States, ever since I came here at eight years old. I’ve felt so welcome here.

“I’m really pleased with this result.”

TOP-10 AT THE US GRAND PRIX:

21:53 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen

2) Lewis Hamilton

3) Lando Norris

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Sergio Perez

6) Charles Leclerc

7) George Russell

8) Pierre Gasly

9) Lance Stroll

10) Yuki Tsunoda (fastest lap)

Lewis Hamilton after finishing second:

21:47 , Kieran Jackson

“Fantastic weekend guys, really well done. We’ve got a lot of work to do... thank you for the upgrades, we’re getting closer - thank you for not giving up on us.”

Max Verstappen after winning:

21:41 , Kieran Jackson

“Ah mate, well done. Tough race but still a win.”

Max Verstappen wins the US Grand Prix!

21:41 , Kieran Jackson

It was quite tight in the end... but Max Verstappen just about gets it done for top spot! His 50th win in Formula 1!

It’s a win by two seconds in the end! A terrific drive from Lewis Hamilton, but he has to settle for second.

Lando Norris comes home third!

4-10: Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Russell, Gasly, Stroll, Tsunoda (fastest lap)

Final lap!

21:38 , Kieran Jackson

The gap is now two seconds!

Max Verstappen struggling on his hards, with Lewis Hamilton on mediums.

I think he’ll just have enough, but the Mercedes now flying!

Max Verstappen furious (Lap 54/56)

21:36 , Kieran Jackson

“Stop talking in the braking, man!”

The gap now three seconds to Hamilton....

Charles Leclerc dropping off (Lap 53/56)

21:34 , Kieran Jackson

Another car picks off Charles Leclerc... this time it’s Sergio Perez for fifth place!

At the front, Lewis Hamilton is closing in on Max Verstappen - but it’s not quick enough! It’s now four seconds...

Carlos Sainz up to P4 (Lap 50/56)

21:30 , Kieran Jackson

Charles Leclerc told not to fight Carlos Sainz behind him... and he doesn’t.

Sainz up to fourth.

“Why did I have to let Sainz by? Let’s talk after the race,” says Leclerc.

Top-10: Verstappen, Hamilton, Norris, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Russell, Gasly, Stroll, Tsunoda

Lewis Hamilton takes second place brilliantly (Lap 49/56)

21:28 , Kieran Jackson

Terrific resistance from Lando Norris at turn 1 as Lewis Hamilton with DRS makes his move... but the Mercedes man switches back to take second place!

Up to P2! Now... can he catch Max Verstappen? The gap is 5.1 seconds, with around seven laps left...

Max Verstappen angry on team radio (Lap 46/56)

21:24 , Kieran Jackson

“Please! No talking, I’m in the braking!”

Not awfully happy is Max, despite holding the lead.

His gap to Norris: 3.2 secs. But Hamilton is closing in on Norris - it’s now below two seconds.

Lewis Hamilton takes third from Charles Leclerc (Lap 43/56)

21:19 , Kieran Jackson

Leclerc really struggling now... Hamilton overtakes the Ferrari down the inside at turn 12!

Max Verstappen’s gap to Lando Norris has opened up to 2.3 seconds. But Lewis Hamilton, on mediums as opposed to the hards ahead of him, is on the charge here!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Leclerc, Sainz, Perez, Russell, Gasly, Tsunoda, Alonso

Verstappen and Norris overtake Leclerc (Lap 40/56)

21:14 , Kieran Jackson

A cruise for both leading contenders to take the Ferrari!

Max Verstappen retakes the lead... but Lando Norris is now only 1.2 seconds behind!

Can he narrow the gap?

Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 39/56)

21:12 , Kieran Jackson

Much-needed second stop for Lewis Hamilton, who pits and comes out in fourth...

Max Verstappen pits (Lap 36/56)

21:05 , Kieran Jackson

The Red Bull does indeed dive into the pits - around three seconds - but it’s not enough!

Verstappen is 1.7 seconds clear of Norris as he comes out of the pits.

Meanwhile at the front, it’s back to Lewis Hamilton leading the way...

Lando Norris pits (Lap 35/56)

21:03 , Kieran Jackson

We didn’t see this coming!

Lando Norris pits - 2.0 seconds - and is back out on another set of hard tyres! He comes out in sixth...

Will Red Bull respond immediately... or wait?

Max Verstappen angry on team radio (Lap 34/56)

21:02 , Kieran Jackson

“My brakes are so s*** compared to yesterday, what a piece of s***!”

It’s not all plain sailing for the Red Bull man, though he is now 3.3 seconds clear of Lando Norris!

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, is 2.7 seconds behind Norris.

Lando Norris just hanging on the end of Max Verstappen (Lap 32/56)

20:59 , Kieran Jackson

To be fair to Lando Norris, he’s just 1.2 seconds behind Max Verstappen and is trying to stay on the tail of the Red Bull!

Carlos Sainz meanwhile, in fourth, has just set the fastest lap of the race on mediums.

Watch out for Sergio Perez, too, in fifth.

Max Verstappen takes the lead (Lap 28/56)

20:54 , Kieran Jackson

It was coming... and Max Verstappen sends it down the inside of turn 12!

Cracking move! Lando tries to fight back but can’t squeeze past.

Verstappen into the lead. BUT, he does have to stop again, Norris does not.

Have McLaren played the right card here? Can Norris get to the end of the race...

Max Verstappen closing in on Lando Norris (Lap 27/56)

20:51 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen now within DRS on Lando Norris, who is struggling for pace on these hard compound tyres.

The mediums working better here... it seems like an inevitability...

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, is 6.2 secs behind Verstappen.

4-10: Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Russell, Gasly, Tsunoda, Alonso

McLaren now going for Plan B (Lap 24/56)

20:46 , Kieran Jackson

Charles Leclerc finally pits.. and comes out in sixth! Quite the drop for the pole-sitter!

Meanwhile, Lando Norris’ engineer says that their race is with Max Verstappen, and because he has to stop again it’s plan B.

“Do you agree, Lando?”. “Yes” comes the response.

Fascinating stuff... could this be the day for Lando finally...

Charles Leclerc now in the lead (Lap 23/56)

20:44 , Kieran Jackson

The Ferrari man has not pitted - Lando Norris has and he’s 1.3 seconds behind.

Max Verstappen is 2.5 seconds down the road from the McLaren. Enough of a gap, for now.

Top-10: Leclerc, Norris, Verstappen, Hamilton, Sainz, Perez, Russell, Gasly, Tsunoda, Alonso

Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 21/56)

20:40 , Kieran Jackson

Bono: “Max Verstappen is in our pit window.”

Lewis: “No s*** man, I’m struggling out here!”

Have Mercedes acted too late? They pit Hamilton, and it’s slow at 3.6 seconds. He comes out BEHIND Max Verstappen...

Decision time for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes (Lap 18/56)

20:37 , Kieran Jackson

Bono: “Lewis, do you think you could do another five laps on these tyres?”

Lewis: “I’m not sure man, it’s pretty tough.”

Will Mercedes persevere with a one-stopper for their man?

Top-10 after a spate of pit stops: Hamilton, Leclerc, Russell, Norris, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Sainz, Alonso, Perez, Stroll

Lando Norris now pits (Lap 18/56)

20:34 , Kieran Jackson

McLaren pit their man a lap later, with a 2.8 second stop - but they go onto hard tyres!

Lando Norris emerges in P4, with Max Verstappen in P6 - Pierre Gasly is in-between!

Lewis Hamilton is now the race leader... but when will he stop?!

Max Verstappen pits (Lap 17/56)

20:33 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull blink first!

They pit their man - 2.5 seconds - onto another set of medium tyres! So he’ll have to pit again!

The world champion emerges in a fair bit of traffic down in ninth...

Lando Norris complaining about turns 8 and 9 (Lap 16/56)

20:32 , Kieran Jackson

The race leader just nervous around turns eight and nine, with his engineer told to avoid the kerbs if possible...

Meanwhile, it looks like they’re preparing a pit stop down at Red Bull...

Lewis Hamilton just reducing the gap to Lando Norris (Lap 13/56)

20:27 , Kieran Jackson

The gap between the top two is now 2.5 seconds, with Lewis Hamilton setting a new fastest lap of the race!

Perhaps more importantly, the gap from Lando Norris to Max Verstappen is around six seconds...

Top-10: Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Russell, Perez, Gasly, Tsunoda, Ricciardo

Fernando Alonso loitering in P11 behind the AlphaTauris...

Max Vertappen just squeezes past Charles Leclerc (Lap 12/56)

20:25 , Kieran Jackson

It’s tight... but Max Verstappen is up to third!

It’s at turn 12 again and despite the Ferrari putting up some resistance, the Red Bull just has the superior car position coming out of that corner to grab third!

George Russell down in sixth, meanwhile, is given a warning for track limits, with Sergio Perez not impressed behind. Another foul and it’ll be a five-second penalty...

Oscar Piastri retires (Lap 11/56)

20:23 , Kieran Jackson

Oscar Piastri is told to lift on the pedal - and is then told that McLaren have to retire the car!

Polar opposite fortunes for the two McLaren drivers so far! The Aussie becomes the second driver to retire from the US Grand Prix...

As for Lando Norris, he’s now 2.8 secs ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Max Verstappen stuck behind Charles Leclerc for now (Lap 10/56)

20:21 , Kieran Jackson

Leclerc’s Ferrari just keeping the Red Bull behind for now.

Lando Norris’ engineer: “We’re thinking plan A”

Esteban Ocon retires (Lap 7/56)

20:15 , Kieran Jackson

Indeed, Ocon is in the pits and retires - his third retirement in five races!

It was after Oscar Piastri slamming into the Alpine on the opening lap!

Lewis Hamilton up to second (Lap 7/56)

20:15 , Kieran Jackson

Much like the way he got past Sainz, Hamilton has too much speed with DRS heading into turn 12 - and Leclerc doesn’t fight it!

An all-British top two then... Norris is 3.2 seconds down the road...

Esteban Ocon has sidepod damage ((lap 6/56)

20:13 , Kieran Jackson

The Frenchman has dropped from the top-10 to last, due to sidepod damage on the Alpine!

He may well retire...

Lewis Hamilton passes Carlos Sainz (Lap 4/56)

20:13 , Kieran Jackson

The Mercedes was right on the gearbox of the Ferrari... and he gets the move done on the back straight!

Hamilton up to third... while Max Verstappen has also surged past Sainz now.

Norris’ lead to Verstappen: 5.4 secs.

Lando Norris has a two-second lead! (Lap 2/56)

20:09 , Kieran Jackson

Oh what a start this is for Lando Norris in his hunt for a first win in F1!

He is 2.4 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, and the Brit has just set the fastest lap!

George Russell has been noted for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at turn 1 at the start... surely not another penalty for Russell!

Top-10: Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, Hamilton, Verstappen, Piastri, Russell, Ocon, Perez, Gasly

DRS now available..

Lando Norris takes the lead!

20:06 , Kieran Jackson

It’s lights out - and Lando Norris gets a better start!

He’s got too much pace for Charles Leclerc to handle down the inside, and the McLaren takes the lead!

Max Verstappen is up to fifth, while George Russell is down three places to eighth! Carlos Sainz up to third too - he surged past Lewis Hamilton!

Formation lap!

20:02 , Kieran Jackson

Charles Leclerc leads the pack away then for the formation lap around this 5.5km, 20-turn track.

18 cars are on medium tyres, with the only two on hards being Nico Hulkenberg and Lance Stroll, who both start in the pit lane. For most, it’s probably a two-stop race.

Here we go then!

What is the grid for the United States Grand Prix?

19:58 , Kieran Jackson

1) Charles Leclerc

2) Lando Norris

3) Lewis Hamilton

4) Carlos Sainz

5) George Russell

6) Max Verstappen

7) Pierre Gasly

8) Esteban Ocon

9) Sergio Perez

10) Oscar Piastri

11) Yuki Tsunoda

12) Zhou Guanyu

13) Valtteri Bottas

14) Daniel RIcciardo

15) Alex Albon

16) Logan Sargeant

Pit start) Nico Hulkenberg*

Pit start) Fernando Alonso*

Pit start) Lance Stroll*

Pit start) Kevin Magnussen*

*Both Aston Martins and both Haas cars start from pit lane after making car changes overnight

Five minutes from lights out in Austin!

19:55 , Kieran Jackson

It’s almost time to go racing at the Circuit of the Americas!

Charles Leclerc is on pole, with Lando Norris alongside him. What drama will ensue up the hill to turn 1?!

And will Max Verstappen, starting in sixth, play safe and stay out of trouble on lap one?

George Russell:

19:52 , Kieran Jackson

“Definitely going for a podium, it’s all to play for. Max is going to come through past, let’s see what we can do.”

He starts P5.

Time for the US national anthem!

19:49 , Kieran Jackson

For the second time this season, Star Spangled Banner plays out ahead of an F1 race.

It’s sung by Dylan Gossett with the EMS Honours Guard... at the top of a huge tower overlooking the circuit!

Max Verstappen:

19:46 , Kieran Jackson

“Yesterday was good, today is warmer. More wind. Will influence tyre deg. I just need to stay out of trouble and work our way forward.”

The Dutchman starts P6...

Rory McIlroy:

19:44 , Kieran Jackson

The golfer also an investor in Alpine!

“Excited in the opportunity. F1 is going from strength to strength, adding races in this country. Wasn’t on my radar but was then a really cool thing to do.”

AJ is in the house too!

19:41 , Kieran Jackson

He’s now an investor in Alpine!

“We can support the drivers and the team - I’m here to raise awareness for Alpine.

“You need to keep a cool head. I’ve done some reaction games [this weekend], like boxing it’s about milliseconds - it’s about reacting to certain situations.”

Lando Norris, speaking pre-race:

19:39 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve got several plans, we have good pace. Will try to get Charles off the line, but it can go either way. We’re prepared and ready to go.

“We learned many things yesterday. Ferrari are still a challenge for us, Mercedes and Red Bull. We have our eyes open...”

Can Norris perhaps get his first win today? He starts P2.

Sergio Perez’s drink is leaking!

19:35 , Kieran Jackson

The Mexican says he needs a new balaclava with his drink leaking in his Red Bull...

A few unhappy drivers already!

Driver Standings after the sprint race:

19:32 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 441 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 228 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 156 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

7) Lando Norris - 141 points

8) George Russell - 133 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 48 points

11) Lance Stroll - 47 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 23 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 3 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

George Russell on team radio:

19:28 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve lost the button on the back of the brake magic,” says George Russell on his reconnaissance lap.

Work to do for Mercedes on the grid. The Brit starts fifth on the grid.

REMINDER: Both Haas and Aston Martin cars will start from the pit lane

19:23 , Kieran Jackson

Having made changes to their cars overnight, both Haas and Astons will start the race from the pit lane.

Not ideal for Messers Magnussen, Hulkenberg, Alonso and Stroll...

George Russell with Prince Harry!

19:19 , Kieran Jackson

Lovely touch down at Red Bull

19:16 , Kieran Jackson

A year on from Red Bull’s founder Dietrich Mateschitz passing away, the whole team posed for a photo in jeans on Sunday morning.

The team sealed last year’s Constructors’ Championship in Austin on the weekend the Austrian passed.

What is the grid for the United States Grand Prix?

19:09 , Kieran Jackson

1) Charles Leclerc

2) Lando Norris

3) Lewis Hamilton

4) Carlos Sainz

5) George Russell

6) Max Verstappen

7) Pierre Gasly

8) Esteban Ocon

9) Sergio Perez

10) Oscar Piastri

11) Yuki Tsunoda

12) Zhou Guanyu

13) Valtteri Bottas

14) Daniel RIcciardo

15) Alex Albon

16) Logan Sargeant

Pit start) Nico Hulkenberg*

Pit start) Fernando Alonso*

Pit start) Lance Stroll*

Pit start) Kevin Magnussen*

*Both Aston Martins and both Haas cars start from pit lane after making car changes overnight

The star line-up is out in force at the Drivers Parade!

18:57 , Kieran Jackson

Just over an hour to go until lights out at the Circuit of the Americas!

I can do something wiser with my time – George Russell stops using social media

18:49 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell said he has banned himself from using social media and reading the news because it does not bring him any positivity.

The Mercedes driver has a combined following of nearly seven million on X and Instagram.

But Russell, 25, who was involved in a first-corner collision with team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the last round in Qatar, says he has stepped back from using the platforms.

Full quotes below:

I can do something wiser with my time – George Russell stops using social media

Lewis Hamilton after finishing second in the Saturday sprint:

18:39 , Kieran Jackson

“That was a fun race, good start down to turn one - good battle with Charles. I was trying to get closer to Max but their pace is just undeniable right now. But nonetheless I’m really happy to be on the podium.

“Hopefully we can have a good battle tomorrow, if we can keep Max behind that would be awesome but if not no worries.”

Driver Standings after the sprint race:

18:31 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 441 points (champion)

2) Sergio Perez - 228 points

3) Lewis Hamilton - 201 points

4) Fernando Alonso - 183 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 156 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 151 points

7) Lando Norris - 141 points

8) George Russell - 133 points

9) Oscar Piastri - 83 points

10) Pierre Gasly - 48 points

11) Lance Stroll - 47 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 44 points

13) Alex Albon - 23 points

14) Valtteri Bottas - 10 points

15) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 6 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 3 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 3 points

19) Liam Lawson - 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

21) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo - 0 points

Blessed with royalty in Austin

18:23 , Kieran Jackson

Look who’s at the Circuit of the Americas today! Prince Harry in attendance in Austin...

BREAKING: Both Haas and Aston Martin cars will start from the pit lane

18:15 , Kieran Jackson

Having made changes to their cars overnight, both Haas and Astons will start the race from the pit lane.

Not ideal for Messers Magnussen, Hulkenberg, Alonso and Stroll...

Lewis Hamilton insists F1 must remain extreme: ‘Let’s not get too soft’

18:10 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton said Formula One must not become “too soft” and challenged his fellow drivers to embrace pain amid a safety backlash following the last round in Qatar.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell branded the race a fortnight ago “beyond the limit of what is acceptable” as temperatures in the drivers’ cockpits exceeded 50 degrees.

Canadian Lance Stroll said he faded in and out of consciousness because of the extreme heat and humidity in Lusail.

London-born driver Alex Albon was treated for acute heat exposure, while his rookie Williams team-mate Logan Sargeant was forced to park his car through illness. Alpine’s French driver Esteban Ocon also vomited during the race.

Full quotes below:

‘Let’s not get too soft’: Lewis Hamilton insists F1 must remain extreme

Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton challenge to win US sprint race

18:05 , Kieran Jackson

Sprint race report

Max Verstappen saw off Lewis Hamilton’s early challenge to claim victory in Saturday’s sprint race at the United States Grand Prix.

For the first time since their 2021 championship duel for the ages, Verstappen and Hamilton ran line astern in the 19-lap dash at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.

But Hamilton was unable to prevent Verstappen from taking the spoils, and accumulating yet another win of this most one-sided of Formula One campaigns.

Hamilton took the chequered flag a distant 9.4 seconds adrift of Verstappen with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third.

Full report below:

Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton challenge to win US sprint race

What is the grid for the United States Grand Prix?

18:03 , Kieran Jackson

1) Charles Leclerc

2) Lando Norris

3) Lewis Hamilton

4) Carlos Sainz

5) George Russell

6) Max Verstappen

7) Pierre Gasly

8) Esteban Ocon

9) Sergio Perez

10) Oscar Piastri

11) Yuki Tsunoda

12) Zhou Guanyu

13) Valtteri Bottas

14) Daniel RIcciardo

15) Alex Albon

16) Logan Sargeant

Pit start) Nico Hulkenberg*

Pit start) Fernando Alonso*

Pit start) Lance Stroll*

Pit start) Kevin Magnussen*

*Both Aston Martins and both Haas cars start from pit lane after making car changes overnight

F1 United States Grand Prix!

18:02 , Kieran Jackson

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas this evening!

Max Verstappen dominated the sprint day yesterday, winning from pole, with Lewis Hamilton second and Charles Leclerc third in what was, largely, a race to forget.

However, Leclerc starts on pole this evening and Verstappen is down in P6 so has work to do if he wants to win once again this season. Leclerc, meanwhile, is eyeing his first victory in 2023.

Stay here for all the build-up before lights out at 8pm (BST)!