The 2026 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit of The Americas this weekend, as Austin prepares to host the latest instalment of the Formula 1 season.Kimi Antonelli arrives in Texas firmly in control of the Drivers’ Championship, holding a commanding 102-point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell.Antonelli has an opportunity to mathematically clinch the title in Austin, although the Italian will need a favourable combination of results to secure the championship on Sunday.The Silver Arrows driver’s remarkable consistency throughout the season has put him in an increasingly strong position, with the 20-year-old looking destined to become the new world champion.Nevertheless, despite his commanding lead, the Mercedes star may have to wait a little longer to officially seal the title, with several of his closest challengers still capable of delaying his coronation in Texas.talkSPORT BET welcome offer – Get up to £30 in free betsUS Grand Prix TipsMax Verstappen to win the United States Grand Prix (each-way) @ 6/5George Russell podium finish in United States Grand Prix @ 13/8Lando Norris podium finish in United States Grand Prix @ 2/1Verstappen to be the lone star in TexasMax Verstappen has hit an impressive run of form as the season approaches its conclusion, with the Red Bull driver also looking like a serious contender to challenge for honours again next year.The Dutchman arrives in Austin full of confidence after securing back-to-back victories in Malaysia and Singapore, making him one of the drivers to watch at a circuit where he has enjoyed plenty of success.Verstappen, who has been critical of the bumps in the current surface on this track leading into this weekend, does have particularly fond memories of the Circuit of The Americas, having claimed four US Grand Prix wins at the venue, including last year’s event.With seven grands prix victories already to his name on American soil, Verstappen will be eager to add another triumph to that impressive record, and odds of 6/5 make him an appealing contender for Sunday’s race.Russell to take next stepHaving finished fifth twice and sixth twice in his last four years of competing at the United States Grand Prix, Mercedes star Russell looks capable of finally breaking into the podium places this weekend.The Englishman has been pretty consistent throughout much of the campaign, barring the odd retirement in Canada and Belgium.Winning three races through the 2026 season and claiming eight podium finishes in the 17 races so far, Russell looks like good value at 13/8 to land a top-three finish on Sunday.Norris backed for podium returnAlthough Lando Norris won’t retain his Drivers’ Championship this season, the Bristolian still has plenty to fight for as he looks to close out the campaign on a positive note ahead of next year.Norris has enjoyed some memorable moments in 2026, with wins in Hungary and the Netherlands highlighting his potential, but too many below-par performances have left him unable to keep up with the likes of Antonelli.With his recent results suggesting that a return to the podium could be on the cards, Norris is an interesting option at 2/1 to finish in the top three in Austin and he will also take confidence from his second place at the Circuit of The Americas last season.talkSPORT BET welcome offer – Bet £10 and Get £30 on sports18+ New customers only. Opt in deposit and bet min £10 (max £30) on any sports (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. Get your initial stake (up to £30) credited in Free Bets. Free Bets to be used on selected markets and expire in 7 days. Scroll Down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamCare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.