AUSTIN, Texas — Max Verstappen won the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, cutting into the Drivers' Championship lead with five races remaining.

The Dutchman converted pole position into a controlled drive at the front. Verstappen has built momentum across recent rounds, having secured a new Red Bull contract extension through 2030 earlier this week.

The race at COTA is one of three American rounds on the calendar and traditionally draws the largest crowd of the F1 season in the United States. McLaren and Mercedes drivers were Verstappen's closest challengers in the standings heading into the weekend.

The result reshapes the championship picture as the campaign heads toward Mexico City, Brazil and the Middle East. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said the squad will focus on maximising remaining points after a season of fluctuating form.

Verstappen's victory underlined the renewed stability at Red Bull following the contract announcement, with the team framing Austin as a turning point in the tightening fight for the 2026 crown.