Max Verstappen and Red Bull are in retreat as the Formula 1 season resumes in Texas. The series returns from a month-long autumn break at the United States Grand Prix with the Dutch driver still leading the championship.

RED Bull’s Max Verstappen stormed to pole position in Sprint Qualifying in Texas, delivering a stunning lap time of 1:32.833. Mercedes’ George Russell followed closely, just 0.012 seconds off the pace, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third, 0.226 seconds behind, reports Damian Hall.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has labeled all the rumours and speculation surrounding his team as ‘BS’ ahead of the US Grand Prix. In recent weeks, speculation has exploded surrounding the future of Helmut Marko and his position as Red Bull’s motorsport consultant – with rumours of an internal power struggle going on between himself and team boss Christian Horner.