Max Verstappen in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen sets sights on Austin: 'We’re pushing hard to improve'

08:40, 16 Oct

Updated: 10:06, 16 Oct

byOlly Darcy

Red Bull's Max Verstappen hopes that his recent "strong run of races" will guide him towards the front at the United States Grand Prix.

"I have been back at the factory this week preparing on the sim... We have been analysing where we can improve."

- Max Verstappen ahead of the United States Grand Prix

The Dutchman secured two wins in consecutive races at the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, rediscovering his form after struggling with the difficult RB21 since the summer break.

At the Singapore Grand Prix, the four-time world champion was unable to make it three wins in a row, but a P2 finish behind race winner George Russell was another improvement for the Austrian team before heading to the Circuit of The Americas.

“We made a positive step in Singapore; we have had a strong run of races recently and want to keep up the momentum," Verstappen began.

Max Verstappen on the podium in Singapore - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

"Hopefully, this weekend we can do a bit better. I have been back at the factory this week preparing on the sim, and the Team has been pushing really hard, and we have been analysing where we can improve.

"This circuit is about finding the right compromise in setup between straight-line speed and downforce for the fast sweeping corners, and the bumps can always make things tricky, too.

"Austin is a cool city and has great food, so it's always a fun place to race at. It’s another Sprint weekend, so we’ll have to get on top of things quickly as there is less time to fine-tune things, but this will be a challenge for everyone.”

Verstappen splitting opinion in the title race

Coming into the sprint weekend in Austin, Verstappen sits on 273 points and P3 in the world championship, 63 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri on 336 points.

After his P2 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Verstappen tempered expectations after bringing himself back into the title discussion, warned his team that they "need to dominate" for the rest of the season if there was any chance of winning the title.

However, there is still a belief from some that the Dutchman will win his fifth world title in as many years, with 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve backing the 27-year-old to finish top of the standings.

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