By: Dear Formula1.it friends, the United States GP has also come to an end: from Kimi Antonelli’s nearly completed climb to Charles Leclerc’s sensational race and tensions within the Red Bull pair. There is plenty to discuss, and our verdicts can wait no longer. Are you ready? Let’s begin!
Towards a great dream...
A perfect Texas weekend for Kimi Antonelli (10), who defied expectations by putting together a weekend in which he was consistently ahead of his rivals. Despite the penalty and his inability to fight back, George Russell (4) denied him the title by just two points. Get the champagne ready, gentlemen: in Mexico we could witness something truly wonderful.
...And great nostalgia
A performance to frame from our home-grown prince, Charles Leclerc (9), who, despite suffering as he watches his young rivals fulfil dreams he has long wished for, gave us one of his finest races of the season so far. His battle with Max Verstappen (8), back to fighting like a lion in the Red Bull, rekindled memories that have never been laid to rest: deep down, we deserve to experience a championship in which these two fight like mad until the final round. Hope dies last.
There is also room for Sir Lewis and Hadjar, more at the mercy of their cars than their team-mates but at least able to keep up with them (7). An extra note for our trusted boxer, with a request to FOM: show us Isack’s team radio more often, please – guaranteed entertainment!
Quick... but lost
Lando Norris (7-) was among the fastest on track, but lost his way in qualifying: this McLaren is leaking from every angle and, even though he finished fifth while Piastri (6) was seventh, it is truly disappointing for the reigning world champions to be heading towards the end of a season in which the good results achieved were merely a blinding illusion.
The only positive note from the race? Keeping a W17 behind them! Russell will be dreaming of that Papaya rear end for a couple of days.
Between confirmations, comebacks and the usual slaps
While Liam Lawson (8) once again swept aside the opposition to claim more extremely valuable points for Racing Bulls, Pierre Gasly returned to the points after a dark spell, bringing Alpine a single point as the battle with the Faenza team for fifth in the constructors’ standings drifts ever further away.
Finally, the usual song and dance for Williams, Haas, Aston Martin and Cadillac: the hope is that their respective factories are working hard to produce a far more respectable 2027. Amid all this chaos, however, one thing never changes: handing inexplicable penalties to poor Ollie.
Next round, Mexico
During de los Días de los Muertos, Kimi Antonelli will attempt to crown himself world champion: who knows whether he will treat us to some truly incredible costumes or looks. In the meantime, get the tissues ready – I warned you.
Speak to you very soon, my friends,
Your Rompipaddock.
Main cover and internal photos by Luca Martini / WHYOUT images
