2025 F1 United States Grand Prix — Sprint Race Results & Report (COTA)

Date: October 19, 2025

Location: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas

Headline: Verstappen wins COTA Sprint; Russell P2, Sainz P3 — Tsunoda charges to P7 from P18

Max Verstappen made it three Sprint victories in a row at the Circuit of the Americas, converting pole into a controlled win ahead of George Russell and Carlos Sainz Jr. In a drama-filled 19-lap dash punctuated by two Safety Cars, Yuki Tsunoda carved through the chaos to finish seventh from 18th on the grid, banking two valuable points.

Race Recap

Lightning start, double McLaren heartbreak

The Sprint got underway after a single formation lap, and while Verstappen launched cleanly, Turn 1 became the flashpoint. Nico Hülkenberg tagged Oscar Piastri, who in turn touched Lando Norris — both McLarens retired on the spot, triggering an early Safety Car and scattering debris across the track.

Tsunoda’s measured surge

Despite clipping debris, Tsunoda kept his Red Bull intact and picked his way forward. By Lap 3 he was up to P7, then managed the restart smartly to lock in a points-paying finish.

Russell keeps Verstappen honest

Once green, Russell shadowed Verstappen in DRS, lunging at Turn 12 in a feisty exchange that saw both run wide, but the order held. As temperatures rose, Verstappen radioed rear-grip concerns, yet it was Russell’s tyres that faded first, allowing the Red Bull to edge clear.

Ferrari on the march

Behind the lead duo, Lewis Hamilton muscled past Charles Leclerc and set off after Sainz, ultimately securing P4 as the Scuderia locked down P4–P5.

Bearman vs Antonelli turns costly

An intense late scrap for the final point between Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) ended with Bearman receiving a 10-second penalty for leaving the track while defending. Antonelli inherited P8 and the last Sprint point.

Late crash ends it under Safety Car

On Lap 17, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Esteban Ocon (Haas) collided at Turn 1, putting both out and bringing the Safety Car back. With limited laps remaining, the Sprint finished behind the SC. Verstappen’s win trims his gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to 55 points heading into Sunday.

Key Moments at a Glance

• Double McLaren DNF at Turn 1 on Lap 1

• Russell attacks Verstappen at Turn 12; no change for the lead

• Bearman penalized 10s for off-track defense vs Antonelli

• Stroll–Ocon collision on Lap 17; race finishes under Safety Car

Official Sprint Classification (19 Laps)

Finished under Safety Car after Lap 17 incident. Arrows indicate change vs. starting position.

What it means for Sunday

• Red Bull vs Mercedes: Russell’s pace suggests a genuine fight if tyre degradation swings his way.

• Ferrari poised: Hamilton and Leclerc look race-trim strong for podium contention.

• Points opportunists: Williams and Racing Bulls are well-placed to capitalize again if chaos strikes.