Overtaking rules need relook after Norris-Verstappen clash

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen occupied the front row of the grid for the United States Grand Prix in Texas on Sunday, the day after the world champion had returned to victory lane with yet another triumph in a sprint race, but it was the Ferraris on the second row that everyone watched like hawks.

- David Tremayne

After another of their roller-coaster seasons, they seem to be on a roll now.

Had Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz not squabbled so hard over third place in Saturday's sprint, Sainz might have done better than his eventual second. Because when it came to pace in the grand prix, they had it in spades.

It was an interesting weekend in Texas. It always is, with so many interesting faces to talk to in the always-busy paddock. But beneath the happy surface, there is increasing tension between Red Bull and McLaren, which events in the race would do nothing to dispel.

First, as McLaren had wrested away the lead of the constructors' championship from the hitherto dominant Red Bull, there was increased scrutiny of a so-called flexible DRS (drag reduction system) on the McLaren's rear wing. The FIA decided not to ban it but to suggest that if it is used again it may be subjected to closer scrutiny.