The 2024 United States Grand Prix marked a pivotal moment in the F1 title fight between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. A late-race incident saw Norris handed a five-second penalty for completing an off-track overtake. Initially crossing the finish line in third, the penalty relegated Norris to fourth, giving Verstappen the advantage and widening the points gap in their championship battle.
The Dutchman increased his lead over Norris in the drivers’ standings to 57 points. With only five races left in the 2024 season, this widened gap places extra pressure on Norris to keep his championship aspirations alive. The duel between the two has been fiercely competitive all season, and the outcome of the United States Grand Prix marked yet another crucial shift in their title race.
With a win, Leclerc solidified his place in the 3rd position of the driver’s championship with 275 points ahead of Oscar Piastri (247) and Carlos Sainz (215).
Ferrari keep themselves in the Constructors’ title fight
While much of the focus in Austin was on the fierce title fight between Norris and Verstappen, the United States Grand Prix also brought a key shift in the constructors’ standings. A dominant one-two finish by Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc leading and Carlos Sainz following closely behind, significantly boosted their standing in the race for the runner-up position. This result brought Ferrari to within just eight points of Red Bull, intensifying the competition for second place as the season nears its end.
McLaren, however, maintains the lead in the constructors’ standings with a 40-point advantage over Red Bull, thanks to their consistent performances throughout the season. Ferrari’s recent strong form suggests that the battle for the top spots is far from decided, making the final races of the season crucial for all three teams.
A gripping finale awaits
With the season heading into its final stages, every point counts more than ever. Verstappen’s increased lead over Norris gives the Dutch driver some breathing room, but the title race is still within reach for the McLaren ace. The upcoming rounds will be critical for both contenders as they look to maximize their points tally. Likewise, the constructors’ championship remains hotly contested, with Ferrari’s recent form positioning them as a serious threat to Red Bull’s second place.
The next destination in this gripping season will take us to Autodromo in Mexico, which will be held from 25-27 October 2024.
Read More: Charles Leclerc Emerges as Winner in Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris Showdown
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
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