The difference between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes often becomes clear in qualifying, when Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton repeatedly put Max Verstappen behind them. Verstappen tried to do things differently this weekend, proposing a car swap.
During the press conference after the qualifying session, Verstappen suggested to Hamilton to test privately with a Red Bull car and a Mercedes car to see what the real difference is between the two cars. The reigning world champion did not really respond to this, but afterwards the social media team of Mercedes reacted playfully to Hamilton's proposal.
Testing is always allowed
Via Instagram, Mercedes indicated that Verstappen can always call them if he wants to test a Mercedes car. "Max, you can always call us if you want to test a Mercedes." The Dutchman starts today in his own Red Bull from third place, just behind Hamilton.
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USA Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 23.10.26
Practice 1
05:30 PM
Practice 2
09:00 PM
Saturday 24.10.26
Practice 3
05:30 PM
Qualification
09:00 PM
Sunday 25.10.26
Race
08:00 PM
Friday 23.10.26
Practice 1
Fri 05:30 PM
Practice 2
Fri 09:00 PM
Saturday 24.10.26
Practice 3
Sat 05:30 PM
Qualification
Sat 09:00 PM
Sunday 25.10.26
Race
Sun 08:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 224 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 171 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 168 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 145 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 134 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 112 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 96 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 68 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 43 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 43 |
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