The only free practice session for the United States Grand Prix is an intriguing prospect, with Max Verstappen hoping to further erode Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris' once-healthy advantage in the F1 drivers' championship standings.
The Dutchman heads to the Circuit of the Americas in fine form, having won two of the past three rounds. In the other, the Singapore Grand Prix, he still managed to finish second, ahead of both McLarens.
As the annual trip to Austin is a sprint weekend, 33 points will be on offer, not the usual 25. Therefore, the Red Bull driver has even more opportunity to inflict damage on the papaya team-mates.
It is not, however, the four-time F1 drivers' champion who stole headlines on media day at COTA. Instead, that was Norris and Piastri.
The former has taken responsibility for the clash between them on the first lap at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and will face internal "repercussions" for the rest of the campaign. What those might be remains unclear.
All this sets an appetising scene for the 19th round of the F1 season — but who will start it on the right foot?
Follow along to the RacingNews365 live coverage of FP1 at the COTA below!
Free practice 1 - United States
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