Ratings | Mercedes continues upward trend in America, Red Bull at fault

The United States Grand Prix is over and so it is time to look at how the teams performed or the Circuit of the Americas. GPblog gives grades to the teams for performance throughout the weekend.

Red Bull Racing: 8

Red Bull Racing again had the best race car of the field in America with the RB18. Especially in the hands of Max Verstappen, the Adrian Newey-designed bolide seems unbeatable. Even if the team had horribly wrong pit stop, there is enough speed in that car to make up for it on the track.

Ferrari: 7

Through the season, Ferrari seems to be slipping a bit. Not only has it lost the battle with Red Bull Racing, but the fact that Charles Leclerc couldn't keep up with Lewis Hamilton either is still causing question marks. In the beginning, Ferrari and Red Bull were together separate from the rest, now Ferrari seems to be overtaken by Mercedes. Only fast qualifying still saves Ferrari somewhat.

Mercedes: 9

For Mercedes, the weekend in America was very good. Lewis Hamilton led for a long time thanks to a clever strategy and a gaffe at Red Bull, but the eventual second place is also a good result for the team. The connection with Ferrari on Sunday now really seems to have been found.

Alpine: 6

Alpine only scored one point in the end, but Fernando Alonso's speed showed what potential that car has. Esteban Ocon does not yet get it out every week. The stewards prevented a points score for Alonso, but the upward trend has certainly started for the team.

McLaren: 7

Against expectations, Lando Norris still scored good points in Austin, while Daniel Ricciardo only muddled along in the rear. McLaren clearly does not have the pace of Alpine, but with Norris, it has a driver who consistently squeezes the maximum out of the car.

Alfa Romeo: 5

Alfa Romeo is no longer a shadow of the team at the start of this season. With three races to go, the sixth place among constructors is in jeopardy and it seems a matter of time before Aston Martin takes over.

Aston Martin: 8

Aston Martin has a taste for the end of the season. Lance Stroll threw away good points in America with a silly defensive move, but Sebastian Vettel, despite a dramatic pit stop, showed how great the AMR22's pace is. Sixth place among constructors seems up for grabs with three races before the end of the season.

Haas: 7

Haas showed on Saturday that it does not have a car for the top ten, but a smart strategy and spreading the chances over two drivers paid off on Sunday. Kevin Magnussen achieved a handsome eighth place and Mick Schumacher should have gotten more out of his strategy.

AlphaTauri: 6

AlphaTauri again did not have the pace to compete for points this weekend. Yuki Tsunoda got another point as a result of Fernando Alonso's penalty, but given his pace, the Japanese driver's ninth place was already a miracle.

Williams: 4

Alexander Albon fought for what he was worth, but Williams simply does not have the speed to compete for points. Even if a number of drivers drop out, Williams will need luck if it wants to score points in 2022.