Max Verstappen achieved pole position for the Sprint at the United States Grand Prix, showcasing his speed in the final moments of qualifying. His impressive lap time of 1:32.143 secured him victory over his nearest rival, Lando Norris. The McLaren driver, who initially set the pace through the qualifying session, finished just 0.071 seconds behind Verstappen.
Qualifying Summary
- Pole Position: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:32.143
- Second Place: Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:32.214
- Third Place: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.333 seconds
- Fourth Place: Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)
- Fifth Place: George Russell (Mercedes)
- Sixth Place: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Seventh Place: Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Eighth Place: Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Ninth Place: Alex Albon (Williams)
- Tenth Place: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Session Breakdown
The qualifying rounds were divided into three segments: SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3. Each segment served to narrow down the field of drivers.
SQ1 Highlights
- Lando Norris led SQ1, setting a time of 1:33.224.
- Several drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon, failed to finish their laps in time.
- Franco Colapinto ended up 17th, falling short of advancing.
SQ2 Highlights
- Norris topped SQ2 with a lap time of 1:33.033.
- Drivers like Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar were eliminated after struggling to meet time requirements.
- Hamilton and Leclerc narrowly advanced, finishing P9 and P10, respectively.
SQ3 Highlights
- Verstappen’s final lap in SQ3 placed him atop the grid.
- Norris’s strong lap was impressive, but not enough to secure pole.
- Hulkenberg achieved his best starting position since the British Grand Prix.
Looking Ahead
With the grid now set, drivers will prepare to compete in the Sprint on Saturday at 12:00 local time. Verstappen expressed enthusiasm for the race, noting the competitive nature of the field. Racing fans can expect an exciting showdown as the drivers take to the track in Austin.