CARLOS SAINZ was forced to swerve out of the way of an unaware Lando Norris during today’s United States Grand Prix practice. Sainz was shaken by the close encounter that almost saw the former team-mates collide in a nasty fashion. Norris was warming the tyres on his McLaren when he seemed to drift into the line of the incoming Ferrari, which was travelling at speed. But Sainz was alert to the situation and manoeuvred his car away from danger and safely past Norris. There are now five Grands Prix remaining before the season comes to a close. But despite the Verstappen procession officially beginning now, the outcome of this year’s races has long felt like a forgone conclusion.

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