Verstappen targets McLaren as Red Bull chases third in Austin

Max Verstappen says Red Bull’s priority at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix is to maintain its recent form, make the most of its opportunities and score as many constructors’ points as possible. The team trails McLaren by eight points in the fight for third, and a good result in Austin could put it ahead.

The drivers’ title remains a distant prospect: Kimi Antonelli could clinch it in Austin. Verstappen can still finish second in the standings, but has previously said he is not particularly interested in that outcome.

Verstappen comes to Texas after two consecutive wins. He has won four of the past five Austin editions; at each of the three Austin weekends to feature a sprint, he also took sprint pole and won the sprint.

Verstappen says he enjoys racing at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) despite the bumps, while its long corners and elevation changes make it challenging. Red Bull needs the car’s setup right from the outset, he says.