Formula 1 is Stateside this weekend as the US Grand Prix takes place in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas, and Max Verstappen is feeling upbeat about his chances of a race victory.

Red Bull have seen the last two races go the way of their fierce rivals for the Constructors' title, Mercedes, and they'll be eager to strike back in the Lone Star State this weekend if they can.

It will be tough, of course, as it appears the Silver Arrows have made good gains in terms of pace for their car in recent weeks, but it seems as though Verstappen feels that he and his car will have a decent chance themselves of getting back onto the top step.

Speaking ahead of the race in Austin, the Dutchman had this to say, recalling previous results at the track as indicators for a decent run-out this time around:

“We have always been competitive in the US and have got close to some good results,” he said, “so it's about converting that into a win now. We go to every track now knowing that we can fight at least for a podium now, but also a win and that is different to past years.

“We are focussed on doing the best we can and always trying to win the race, and that will be no different in Austin. It will be another close battle this weekend and I am looking forward to that.”

max verstappen

It's certainly been exciting this year knowing that it's not definitely going to be Mercedes' weekend barring anything extraordinary, and that has made for a gripping title fight between the two teams and between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Red Bull do need to hit back this weekend, though, and we'll soon see if they can do that.