Oscar Piastri has defended himself over a "racing incident" as his Formula One championship lead comes under increasing threat following his miserable day at the United States Grand Prix.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen moved further into the title picture by winning Saturday's sprint race and then clinching a dominant pole position for Sunday's race after Australian Piastri and teammate Lando Norris suffered a costly collision in the sprint.

The Dutchman charged to pole position in qualifying in Austin, Texas, by almost three tenths of a second from Norris as Piastri could manage only sixth fastest.

Norris was no match for Verstappen but will be heartened to have Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton between him and title rival Piastri on the grid for the 56-lap ra

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