What are the tactical options for the United States Grand Prix?

Saturday was a banner day for Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen with a Sprint victory and a seemingly comfortable advantage of three tenths in qualifying.

Looking at the raw numbers, the Dutchman, whose shadow looms ever larger over the Drivers’ Championship, looks like a good bet to add a fourth victory to the United States Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon… but is all as it seems?

Max played down his chances, pointing to McLaren’s good pace over the long runs and high temperatures which should suit his rivals at Papaya. We’ve had hot track temperatures at the Circuit of the Americas before, but nothing this hot, and that’s going to play a role, as will Pirelli’s decision to introduce a compound bridge between the hard and medium tires this year.