Verstappen extends championship lead with U.S. GP win

Max Verstappen won the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, extending his championship lead over seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen, who claimed pole position during Saturday's qualifying, lost the top spot after the first turn but retook the lead following an early pit stop from Hamilton. The Dutchman, who's in pursuit of his first career title, now has 287.5 points.

Meanwhile, Mercedes' Hamilton finished second, 1.333 seconds back of Verstappen. Hamilton, who's attempting to chase down a record eighth title, trails Verstappen by 12 points. He earned an extra point Sunday by recording the fastest lap.

"We did go aggressive, and I was not sure it was going to work, but the last few laps were fun," Verstappen said following the race, according to F1. "Super happy, of course, to hang on."

Sergio Perez of Red Bull finished third to round out the podium.

Red Bull's double podium finish helps them in the constructor's standings as well, while Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas finished sixth. The Silver Arrows still lead for the constructor's title with 460.5 points; Red Bull sits second at 437.5.

Five races remain in the 2021 season, with the Mexican GP next Nov. 7.

Charles Leclerc paced Ferrari, finishing fourth, while teammate Carlos Sainz placed seventh.

McLaren was led by Daniel Ricciardo's fifth-placed result, while Lando Norris finished eighth.