What's still to play for as F1 triple-header starts in Austin?

Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton chasing second, Sergio Perez's future, Andretti saga among Texas talking points Lewis Hamilton's chase for second, Sergio Perez's future and Andretti's attempt to join F1 all on the agenda as triple-header begins; watch the United States Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 all weekend, with the Sprint at 11pm on Saturday, and the race at 8pm on Sunday Last Updated: 13/10/23 7:02pm As Formula 1 heads to Texas for the first of three back-to-back races, Sky Sports analyse what is still to play for in the 2023 world championship. The race for secondMax Verstappen has sealed a third successive drivers' title, but there is a close battle for second behind him.Having at one stage appeared certain to complete a Red Bull one-two, Sergio Perez's advantage over Lewis Hamilton is only 30 points going into the final five rounds of the season, two of which are Sprint weekends with extra scoring opportunities on the table. Hamilton blew a major chance to narrow that gap by causing a collision with his Mercedes team-mate George Russell on the first lap of the Qatar Grand Prix, and also saw his advantage over Fernando Alonso fall to 11 points.Aston Martin's drop-off over the second half of the season suggests the Spaniard is unlikely to be able to challenge Hamilton, but the Brit will no doubt be eager to chase down Perez.Crucial prize money up for grabsWhile Red Bull closed out the constructors' championship even earlier than Verstappen did the drivers', there is plenty to play for with the competition that dictates the crucial allocation of prize money.Mercedes are 28 points clear of Ferrari in the battle for second, having given up the opportunity to significantly extend that gap in Qatar. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide on the opening lap of the Qatar Grand Prix Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide on the opening lap of the Qatar Grand Prix Aston Martin's steady drift down the standings looks set to continue with McLaren having closed to within 11 points of the fourth-placed team.It seems inevitable that McLaren will cruise past Aston Martin, but their 79-point deficit to Ferrari suggests third place could be out of reach for the Woking squad.Alpine are all but certain to finish sixth, but anything could happen in the contest for the final four places. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Oscar Piastri holds his nerve to claim his first Sprint win as Max Verstappen finishes second to secure his third world title Oscar Piastri holds his nerve to claim his first Sprint win as Max Verstappen finishes second to secure his third world title Seventh-placed Williams are only 18 points clear of last placed AlphaTauri, with Alfa Romeo - off the back of an impressive showing in Qatar - and Haas between them.One special performance, or a bit of luck in a downpour, could change everything.Can Perez save his seat?The race for second in the drivers' standing might be a significant factor in Red Bull's decision over whether to retain Sergio Perez.The Mexican has another year on his contract but his performances over the second half of the season have been unacceptable, and in a more competitive season could have cost Red Bull the constructors' title. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sergio Perez’s struggles continued this weekend, following up a nightmare Sprint crash with three five-second time penalties during the Qatar GP Sergio Perez’s struggles continued this weekend, following up a nightmare Sprint crash with three five-second time penalties during the Qatar GP The noises coming out of the Red Bull camp in Qatar after Perez's latest disappointing display were not hugely positive, with team principal Christian Horner saying a "sit down" with his driver was required.Perez will have huge support at the upcoming races in the Americas, most notable at his home Grand Prix in Mexico, and must use that positive energy to produce the sort of form he showed when winning two of the first four races of the season.Another element that could influence Red Bull's thinking on Perez will be Daniel Ricciardo's return from a wrist injury that has seem him miss five races following a crash in Zandvoort. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Daniel Ricciardo injured his wrist in practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix Daniel Ricciardo injured his wrist in practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix If the Australian can turn in some strong performances during the remainder of the year, the Red Bull hierarchy may consider him to be a better option to partner Verstappen in 2024.Also under the spotlight will be Logan Sargeant, whose Williams seat is the only one on the grid that isn't