What happened: Max Verstappen addressed Red Bull's championship targets for the 2027 Formula 1 campaign ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix in Austin. Verstappen locked in his deal to remain with the team prior to the Baku round earlier this month, and Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has backed him to contend for the 2027 world title.

Why it matters: The 2027 title push builds on a 2026 car turnaround that delivered Verstappen's first career Singapore Grand Prix victory at Marina Bay. Despite that autumn surge, Red Bull still faces a 2026 title deficit after 17 rounds while McLaren brings new car upgrades to Texas in a tightening constructors' battle.

What to watch: On-track sessions at Circuit of the Americas run this weekend in Austin, where Verstappen has already flagged a bumpy circuit surface and Kimi Antonelli has a mathematical chance to clinch the 2026 drivers' crown.