Drama unfolds at the US Grand Prix after the chequered flag!

While Verstappen claimed his 50th F1 victory, the Circuit of The Americas had its share of surprises this year, with off-track drama eclipsing the on-track action, as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced unexpected disqualifications.

Turns out not all is fair in speed and racing. Detailed post-race inspections threw Hamilton and Leclerc's achievements into the spotlight, with technical breaches leading to disqualifications for both. It's an FIA plot twist that no one saw coming.

Lights Out

The roar of engines echoed across Austin as 20 F1 cars darted towards the first turn. Demonstrating impeccable skill, Norris made a remarkable start, snatching the lead from pole-sitter Leclerc. Hamilton, his engine's growl unmistakable, aimed to reassert his dominance, climbing the ranks and setting his sights on Verstappen. But the Flying Dutchman was not to be outdone. Starting from the third row, he picked off rivals methodically, illustrating why he’s a force to reckon with and not just because of his car.

Track Tactics

The challenges of the Austin circuit are manifold – the steep uphill battle of Turn 1, the rapid snake-like esses, and the hard braking zones. Tire strategy, as always, was paramount. Most of the grid began on medium tires, with a few outliers hoping the hard compound would give them an edge.

Verstappen’s strategy played out well, but Hamilton's new floor upgrade, brought specifically for this race, ironically became Mercedes' Achilles heel.

The race wasn’t one without losses, though. We had 3 DNFs - Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon and Oscar Piastri. Returning Daniel Ricciardo also had a weekend that could well be written off.

Chequered Flag

As the race drew close, the real drama unfolded not on the track but in the inspection bays. Verstappen's win was undisputed, but Hamilton, who had driven his heart out to secure second place, faced a technical hiccup that would erase his efforts. The FIA's discovery of technical breaches meant that Hamilton and Leclerc would not see their names in the final tally.

This reshuffling promoted Norris to a well-deserved second place, and after a commendable drive, Sainz found himself on the podium. It was a stark reminder that F1 is as much a technical ballet as it is a race of speed and skill.

With the echoes of the US Grand Prix still fresh, the world now looks to Mexico. What twists and turns await, only this weekend will tell.