F1 US GP: Russell’s touch hurt Sainz at the start!

Carlos Sainz started from pole position at the F1 United States Grand Prix after finishing in qualifying. I knew winning at Austin would be difficult against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who manages far better tires than his Ferrari. I wanted to do everything in my power to make sure. But all his options disappeared at the first corner because of George Russell.

The British driver, who started from fourth, started very well and beat Hamilton on the inside of Turn 1 braking. But he went overboard. Smoke started to come out of his tires. He entered so late that he ended up wearing Carlos Sainz, who had started second from Verstappen. As a result of the blow he received, the Spaniard turned and pierced. He had to return to the pits and eventually gave up on the first lap.

Race Direction quickly announced an investigation into the incident, with Verstappen running away and Hamilton finishing second. Very unlucky for the Spaniard, who became a pure passenger in his car when hit. Carlos could have scored very good points in his battle for fourth place in the World Cup, but he left empty-handed because of George.

Alonso for points

Alonso, who started from 14th due to a 5th place penalty for replacing the internal combustion engine, moved up to 12th on behalf of Magnussen and Sainz, and passed Albon on the 4th lap to become 11th. The Spaniard was one of the few who risked going on hard tires to overcut his rivals.