IT’S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the 2024 United States Grand Prix

Despite there only being one practice session as part of the Sprint format, many of the design departments have been targeting Austin because the four-week gap between races allowed manufacturing time without a risk of more spare parts being needed. Plus they will get to use that extra performance in six Grands Prix and three Sprints if they bring new components this weekend.

The majority of teams are expected to bring upgrades, and from a championship perspective it could prove crucial. As referenced above, if McLaren can maintain an advantage over Red Bull in Austin then they have every chance of doing so across the remainder of the season and Norris’ title hopes will receive a boost.

But if Red Bull find solutions to the handling issues that have become more prominent in recent races and return to winning ways, then both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships could be staying in Milton Keynes.

READ MORE: Norris vs Verstappen, intriguing storylines and a new winner – Our writers share their predictions for the final six races of the season

Still space in the driver market

Lawson’s return to the RB team only firms up that seat for the rest of this season, with Red Bull yet to confirm who will partner Tsunoda in 2025. It very much feels like Lawson’s seat to lose now, but if Sergio Perez struggles to consistently perform over the final six races, Horner has hinted there’s a chance there could be a change alongside Verstappen too.

Whatever happens between the Red Bull and RB seats, though, there is still a vacancy on the grid for next season at Sauber. Nico Hulkenberg is already confirmed on a deal that will see him join in 2025 and remain in place as Sauber transition into becoming the Audi factory team, but his team mate is unknown.