P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has been set a target after winning the F1 Sprint at the Circuit of the Americas.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has challenged Max Verstappen to outqualify Lando Norris following his F1 Sprint victory at the Circuit of the Americas. Verstappen’s win extended his lead over Norris in the drivers’ championship to 54 points, with strong tyre management throughout the 19-lap sprint race. Marko clarified that despite McLaren’s belief that Verstappen’s tyres were degrading, the Dutch driver maintained control. Marko acknowledged Ferrari’s strong performance in the sprint, with Leclerc and Sainz showing late-race pace, posing a challenge to Red Bull. Looking ahead to qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, Marko emphasized the importance of finishing ahead of Norris and targeting an optimal race set-up. The sprint win provides a significant morale boost for Red Bull, with Marko confident in the team’s potential for another front row start if things go according to plan.
