Max Verstappen Urges Red Bull to “Get on Top of Things” Ahead of Tricky U.S. Grand Prix Weekend
Max Verstappen has called on Red Bull to deliver a strong performance at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, warning that the team must quickly adapt to the unique demands of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). With the Austin round being another sprint weekend, Verstappen stressed that the limited time for setup adjustments could make things “tricky” for everyone on the grid.
The Dutchman, who enters the race on a strong run of form, described the COTA weekend as a “challenge” and emphasised the importance of Red Bull striking the right balance with the RB21. The reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion is coming off a second-place finish in Singapore, following back-to-back victories in Monza and Baku, a sequence that has reignited his championship bid.
Those performances have allowed Verstappen to close the gap to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings. Once trailing by a massive 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen has since clawed back 41 points, reducing the deficit to just 63. McLaren’s other driver, Lando Norris, continues to sit between the two title contenders, but Verstappen believes the presence of both MCL39s in the fight could work to his advantage strategically as the season heads into its final stretch.
Speaking ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed confidence in Red Bull’s recent progress but also acknowledged that there is more work to be done if they are to challenge McLaren on a circuit that traditionally suits their rivals.
> “We made a positive step in Singapore; we have had a strong run of races recently and want to keep up the momentum, and hopefully this weekend we can do a bit better,” Verstappen said. “I’ve been back at the factory this week preparing on the simulator, and the team has been pushing really hard, analysing where we can improve.”
A key factor in Red Bull’s improved competitiveness has been the floor upgrade introduced at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. That update helped the RB21 perform more consistently in Singapore and is expected to play a vital role in Austin as well. While COTA had previously been regarded as a track that would favour McLaren’s car characteristics, Verstappen believes Red Bull’s recent progress could make the fight much closer than anticipated.
However, the Dutch driver was quick to point out that success in Austin will depend on how well the team can find the right balance between straight-line speed and cornering downforce—two areas that are difficult to perfect simultaneously at the bumpy American venue.
> “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,” he explained. “Austin is a cool city with 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 the car, but that’s the same challenge for everyone.”
With the championship still within reach, Verstappen knows that every session this weekend will count. The sprint format means just one practice session before qualifying, putting immense pressure on teams to find the ideal setup immediately. For Red Bull, which has been steadily recovering from a mid-season dip in performance, this will be a critical test of both car and team adaptability.
The 67-time Grand Prix winner’s determination reflects his confidence in Red Bull’s ability to bounce back, but he is also aware that McLaren remains a formidable threat. As the 2025 season edges toward its climax, the battle between the two teams promises to intensify further, and Austin could be the stage for another pivotal chapter in this year’s championship fight.
For Verstappen, the message is clear: Red Bull must be sharp, efficient, and quick to adapt — because in a sprint weekend at a demanding track like COTA, every detail matters.
