What Red Bull needs to pass McLaren at the United States Grand Prix

As the United States Grand Prix approaches, Red Bull could potentially surpass McLaren in the constructors' standings. Currently, McLaren holds third place with 339 points after 17 races, just seven points ahead of Red Bull at 332. The gap has narrowed rapidly following Verstappen's two consecutive victories in Sepang and Singapore, marking Red Bull's first wins with their own Ford-powered engines.

Red Bull has outscored McLaren 35 to 10 in Malaysia and 34 to 23 in Singapore. The Austin race offers no sprint, meaning a maximum of 43 points are at stake for the teams. For Red Bull to overtake McLaren, they must outscore them by at least eight points. If Verstappen wins and teammate Isaac Haas fails to score, McLaren must score 17 points or fewer for Red Bull to take the lead.

If Verstappen finishes second and Haas scores nothing, McLaren could score no more than 10 points, such as a fifth place with the other car out of the points. If both McLarens fail to score, Red Bull needs only eight points, making a sixth-place finish for either driver sufficient to change the standings. Hadjar's points directly increase McLaren's limit by the same amount.

If Verstappen wins with Haas fifth, Red Bull would gain 35 points, leaving McLaren with a maximum of 27 points if Norris finishes third and Piastri ninth.