Max Verstappen wins US GP

AUSTIN: Red Bull's Max Verstappen extended his lead in the 2021 Formula One World Championship by holding off Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton to win an absorbing United States Grand Prix at Austin.

In yet another captivating duel between the title contenders on Sunday evening that went all the way to the final lap, Verstappen withstood heavy pressure from a charging Hamilton, the seven-time champion, on fresher tyres to claim his first victory in the USA.

Starting from pole position, Verstappen lost out to Hamilton at the start, but retook the lead by pitting three laps before the Mercedes driver and taking advantage of his fresher rubber to pump in faster lap times.

Verstappen's eighth win of the season puts him on 287.5 points, 12 ahead of Hamilton with five races to go. Bottas remains third with 185 points.

In the constructors' standings, Mercedes still lead with 460.5 points, but Red Bull have closed up and now have 437.5 points. McLaren are third with 254.

The next round of the 2021 F1 World Championship is next weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix. IANS

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