Title rivals both have form

AUSTIN, Texas: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have traded the Formula One championship lead four times in six races and Monday’s US Grand Prix in Austin could provide yet another twist in the tale.

Red Bull's Verstappen leads Hamilton by six points after 16 of 22 races but the Circuit of the Americas holds happier memories for Mercedes' seven times world champion.

There was no race last year due to the Covid19 pandemic but Hamilton clinched his sixth title in Texas in 2019 after celebrating his third there in 2015. No driver has been more successful than the Briton in Austin, with Hamilton enjoying five wins from eight starts.

Every winner has also started on the front row and Mercedes has taken pole position in the last six.

``Austin has been a Hamilton stronghold for quite a few years now,'' observed Red Bull team boss Christian Horner after Verstappen took back the lead from Hamilton in Turkey.

Verstappen has won seven races to Hamilton's five this season and has also led many more laps than his 36yearold rival.

While Austin should play more to the strengths of the Mercedes, with several long straights, there are also sharp, lowspeed corners and good overtaking possibilities to encourage Red Bull.

There is also always a first time and Verstappen is ready to seize his chance.

``We have always been competitive in the United States and have got close to some good results,'' said the Dutch youngster. ``So it's about converting that into a win now.’’

Verstappen's record in America is strong, with second place in 2018, third in 2019 and fourth in 2015 and 2017.

Monday’s race starts at 8am (NZ time). — Reuters