Max Verstappen beat Hamilton at the 2021 United States GP: Formula 1 standings and next races

It was a nail-biting finish between the two title rivals, but finally, Max Verstappen held off Lewis Hamilton in the final lap to win the 2021 United States GP. The Red Bull driver got his eighth win of the season and he is now 12 points ahead Hamilton in the drivers' standings.

Since the qualifying, it seems like Verstappen was going to be the one that finally beat Hamilton in Austin. And the race, which was witnessed by 140,000 fans, didn’t disappoint as it was filled with emotion and drama.

Hamilton took the lead from Verstappen on the run up to Turn 1 before Red Bull regained the upper hand with a superior tyre strategy. The Dutchman retook first place thanks to an aggressive tyre strategy, changing tyres on lap 10 to outlast Hamilton’s power.

Sergio Perez finished third, Red Bull looks ahead Mexigo GP

On the other hand, Sergio Perez finished third and also played a part in the result by pitting on lap 12, forcing Hamilton to pit earlier than planned. While the strategy was on point, Verstappen said after the race that he was “unsure” about it.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took fourth place ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in fifth, Valtteri Bottas ended up in sixth place and Carlos Sainz took seventh, ahead Ricciardo's McLaren teammate, Lando Norris.

F1 2021 Schedule: Next Grand Prix Races Dates

With only 12 points between Verstappen and Hamilton, the next five races are crucial to define the Championship title. After the 2021 United States GP, Formula 1 will go to Mexico, where it’s expected that Red Bull will take the victory, and it could be the moment for Sergio Perez.