Verstappen started the sprint in Austin, USA, in pole position and was able to stay there when the Dutchman crossed the finish line first of all.
The 28-year-old got help from the fact that the McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who top the standings, crashed early in the race.
Nico Hulkenberg drove into Piastri who then spun into teammate Norris. Everyone escaped unharmed, but the trio was thus out of the race.
The win means that Verstappen, who earlier in the season was far from the top tier, is closing in and creating excitement in the title battle. The Red Bull driver is now 55 points behind Piastri at the top.
At 23.00 Swedish time, the qualifying for Sunday's main race will be decided, where the winner collects 25 points. After this weekend's GP in the USA, five events remain before the winner can be crowned for the season.
