Max Verstappen wins Austin sprint race to make up for Grand Prix qualification pain

Max Verstappen saw off old rival Lewis Hamilton to win a US Grand Prix sprint race from pole position on Saturday.

The Dutch driver finished nearly 10 seconds ahead of Mercedes' seven-times world champion, who threatened early on but then dropped back, in the 19-lap race at Austin's Circuit of the Americas.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took third after being passed by Hamilton at the start.

Lando Norris, Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and George Russell took the final points positions in the sprint.

The main grand prix at the Texas track is on Sunday with Leclerc starting on pole position and Verstappen sixth on the grid after the reigning three-time champion had a lap time deleted for exceeding track limits.

Dominant Red Bull and Verstappen have already secured both the constructors' and drivers' world championships for 2023.