FIA post-Sprint press conference – 2025 United States Grand Prix
DRIVER RESULTS:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
TRACK INTERVIEWS (Conducted by Jenson Button):
Q: Max Verstappen, another Sprint race victory in Austin. How does it feel to dominate in such a manner?
Max Verstappen: It's been a great start, no doubt. The initial push was strong, and despite the Safety Car interruption, we managed to maintain our lead. We need to analyze our pace post-Safety Car, but overall, winning the Sprint is crucial. Tomorrow's race is a different story, and we must step up our game to challenge the McLarens, as we didn't see much of their performance today.
Q: You mentioned the rear end's performance. Can you elaborate on what adjustments you plan to make for qualifying and the race?
MV: Absolutely. We have some ideas, and we'll work on them. The goal is to improve our qualifying and race trim, ensuring we're competitive against the McLarens, who we haven't seen much of today.
Q: George, an impressive P6 to P2 leap. Your move on Max was bold. How did you approach that decision?
George Russell: I knew Max doesn't offer many opportunities. I saw a chance and took it. Despite being too far behind, I'm glad I attempted it. P2 was better than expected, and we secured some solid points.
Q: Carlos, your second podium in three races is impressive. How do you maintain this form?
Carlos Sainz: We had a poor start, but we took the outside line into Turn 1, which was key. We had solid pace, and despite the Ferraris' challenge, we kept them at bay. I'm happy with P3, and it's a testament to our team's efforts.
PRESS CONFERENCE:
Q: Max, can you summarize your race and the steps you'll take to improve for tomorrow?
MV: The race was decent, but I expected better pace. We need to work on our race trim, especially if the McLarens are out on lap one. If they had raced today, it would have been challenging to keep them behind. Tomorrow, we'll focus on improving our pace and taking the points.
Q: George, your thoughts on the race and the challenge of the McLarens?
GR: I avoided trouble at Turn 1 and fought hard post-Safety Car. I knew it was my last chance to pass Max, so I gave it my all. I'm glad I tried, and P2 is decent. If the McLarens were there, they might have been ahead.
Q: Carlos, your race summary and the team's performance?
CS: It was a good race. We held the Ferraris at bay, despite their speed. I kept Lewis at a comfortable distance, and we improved our race pace. We need to work on low-speed handling, but the car's confidence has been growing, and we're in the mix.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Q: Luke Smith (The Athletic) – Max, with the championship in mind, how does this perfect start impact your belief in a title challenge?
MV: It's about taking it race by race. I focus on doing my best. Today's win brings me closer, but I remain grounded. I wasn't entirely happy with my pace, and we need to improve for tomorrow.
Q: Ian Parkes (RacingNews365.com) – What changes will you make to the car for a stronger race performance?
MV: We need more grip and better balance. Over one lap, it felt okay, but in the race, we were degging too much. We'll work on it to be faster than the McLarens.
Q: Leonid Kliuev (Grande Premio Brazil) – With your improved chances, do you see Mercedes as a threat for the rest of the season?
MV: We'll see. It's race by race. I can't predict the future, but we'll focus on qualifying and our performance.
Q: Fred Ferret (l’Equipe) – With no McLaren data from the Sprint, how might it impact your race strategy?
MV: I'm not sure. I need to work on my pace, and we'll see if it's enough tomorrow.
Q: Stuart Codling (Autosport) – George, can you describe your thought process when you made your move?
GR: I saw Max struggling and gave it my all. I knew I'd deg more, but it was my only chance. The headwind helped, but I was too far back. I'm glad I tried.
Q: Tim Hauraney (TSN) – Carlos, can you describe the incident at Turn 1, lap one?
CS: I had a poor start, distracted by something. I took the outside line, braking late due to clean air and headwind. I saw late braking on the inside, and I took evasive action, almost going into the gravel. I ended up in P3!
Q: Ronald Vording (Motorsport.com) – Max, despite your pace concerns, is it different from earlier in the year?
MV: We're not lost, but we need to fine-tune the car for race conditions.
Q: Sahil Kapur (NBC) – Max, your strong starts. How did it feel off the line today, and any lessons for tomorrow?
MV: The start was good. I didn't need to defend, so I drove in the middle. Turn 1 is wide, so I stuck to my normal line. The tarmac is more consistent, making it fairer for left and right starts.
