What happened: Sky Sports F1 analyst Billy Monger highlighted the midseason recovery of Red Bull's 2026 car ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Texas. Verstappen captured victories in both Malaysia and Singapore to stabilize a campaign that included an earlier sprint qualifying disqualification in Brazil.

Why it matters: Despite an autumn F1 surge that cut into their title deficit, the team still faces an uphill climb in the standings after 17 rounds. The resurgence helped lock in Verstappen's agreement ahead of the Baku weekend to stay with Red Bull while tightening the constructors' battle with McLaren.

What to watch: Action begins this weekend at Circuit of the Americas to open a three-race stretch, with McLaren introducing car upgrades in Austin. At the top of the drivers' table, Kimi Antonelli can clinch the World Championship in Texas if he outscores teammate George Russell.