Carlos Sainz - 6th place, 8 points - 9.5/10
Up there with Barcelona as Sainz's best race of the season, the Spaniard was excellent in an underpowered car in Austin. Benefitted from retirements and pitting under the VSC to run fifth, but having jumped Massa he kept the Williams - with a Mercedes power unit in the back - at bay with some very clever driving and use of power. When Alonso appeared in his mirrors, Sainz used his knowledge of the driver he calls his hero to try and disrupt him as the McLaren had the ability to stay close before the DRS zone. Had no weapon to defend once Alonso opened the DRS but still forced an error at Turn 12 as he showed his tactical side.
