Motor racing-Sainz retires from U.S. GP after first lap collision

FILE PHOTO: Oct 21, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; A view of sunset and the Texas flag as Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz (55) of Team Spain drives during practice for the U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Ferrari's Carlos Sainz retired from the U.S. Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday after starting from pole position and then suffering a first corner collision with Mercedes' George Russell.

The retirement all but confirmed Red Bull as constructors' champions, with Ferrari needing to score 19 points more than the leaders to keep the contest alive.