COTA Floor Upgrades and Lawson Penalty Set Stage for Austin US Grand Prix
Antonelli holds 84-point lead over Russell. Red Bull readies aerodynamic updates for Verstappen.
Why this match matters
With the Malaysian heat of Sepang now in the rearview mirror, the Formula 1 circus has begun freight logistics for the Americas triple-header starting at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Mercedes teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli commands the Drivers’ World Championship with 320 points, having capitalized on teammate George Russell’s late mechanical retirement to stretch his lead to 84 points. Lewis Hamilton sits third on 214 points, followed by Charles Leclerc on 191, while Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are tied on 188 points apiece.
What actually happened
Despite Verstappen’s breakthrough victory in Kuala Lumpur, Red Bull Racing heads to Texas determined to overhaul Mercedes in high-speed trim. Factory engineers in Milton Keynes have finalized a major floor and edge-wing aerodynamic upgrade package designed to rectify the mid-corner balance issues that hampered the RB22 earlier this season. If the updates translate to track performance in the sole Austin practice session, Verstappen could mount a formidable challenge in the sprint race format.
What happens next
Further down the pit lane, technical penalties have already shaken up the Texas grid. Visa Cash App RB confirmed that Liam Lawson will incur an automatic 10-place grid drop for Sunday’s Grand Prix after taking on fresh power unit elements beyond his allowed seasonal quota. With only six rounds remaining in 2026 and Mercedes leading the Constructors’ race by 151 points over Ferrari (556 to 405), Austin looms as the ultimate proving ground for the contenders.
Sources
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