United States Grand Prix 2003 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher secured a dramatic victory at Indianapolis, controlling the United States Grand Prix from start to finish to move to the brink of his sixth world championship. The German delivered a flawless performance from pole position, managing the race perfectly while Kimi Räikkönen could only salvage second place despite starting from pole after a grid penalty demoted Schumacher. The result left Schumacher with an eight-point advantage heading to the season finale at Suzuka, where a single point would guarantee the title.

Räikkönen drove brilliantly to claim second place, the Finn keeping his fading title hopes alive with a crucial eight points. The McLaren driver started from pole due to Schumacher's qualifying penalty but couldn't prevent the Ferrari from passing him in the opening stint, forced to settle for second despite his best efforts. Heinz-Harald Frentzen delivered a stunning third place for Sauber, the veteran German claiming his first podium since 2001 with an inspired drive that showcased his enduring talent.

Schumacher's Indianapolis victory left him one point away from equaling Juan Manuel Fangio's five world championships, his dominant drive demonstrating why he remained F1's benchmark despite the season's unpredictability. Räikkönen needed to win at Suzuka and hope Schumacher failed to score to steal the championship, a mathematical possibility but increasingly unlikely scenario. Ferrari's commanding performance in America suggested they had found the form to seal both titles in Japan, though the championship remained technically open heading into the dramatic season finale.