Piastri, Norris wary of champ Verstappen

Ace’s record keeps McLaren on the edge

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Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris no longer have to worry about the constructors’ crown as they duel for the Formula One driver's title, but the McLaren pair should still be wary of Max Verstappen in Texas this weekend.

Austin’s Circuit of the Americas marks the start of the season's final quarter, the first of three remaining Saturday sprints as well as the first race since McLaren secured the constructors’ championship for the second year running.

Australian Piastri leads his British rival by 22 points with six of 24 rounds remaining while Red Bull's Verstappen is 63 points off the lead.

If the four-time world champion’s task sounds more than a long shot, the fact remains that he has clawed back 41 points from Piastri in his last three outings and also beaten both McLarens in those three races.