George Russell, Mercedes (SP5, P6, 12 pts): 8/10
George Russell had a great time in sprint qualifying which saw him put the Mercedes on the front row of the grid, quite the best performance it managed all weekend. Unfortunately the car didn't have enough in it to hold off Sainz, Norris and Leclerc for 19 laps on Saturday. His sixth place in main qualifying later in the day was a more realistic performance, even if it was helped by his own Q3 crash near the end preventing others from improving. Repairs meant he actually started the Grand Prix from pit lane, and it took a super-long first stint on the hard tyres to set him up for a strong finish in sixth. A very good day's work at the office.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren (SP, P5, 10 pts): 7/10
McLaren seemed a little off-colour this weekend compared to where they left off in Singapore, and Oscar Piastri especially so. He never really featured across the weekend which is odd for the young Aussie who rarely allows himself to be overlooked. Maybe the reality of having to play second fiddle to his team mate's championship bid is sinking in and taking some of the spring out of his step. Even so, this was still a perfectly solid and respectable performance in Austin despite everything.
