George Russell Claims Pole Position at Thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying
In a dazzling display under the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip, George Russell secured pole position for the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, edging out Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in an exhilarating qualifying session.
Russell, driving for Mercedes, set a blistering time of 1:32.312 on his final lap, reclaiming the top spot after a span dominated by Ferrari and McLaren drivers. This performance marked his first pole since Silverstone in July, as he showed formidable speed throughout the weekend, having topped the final practice session earlier in the day.
The qualifying session unfolded dramatically, with Russell initially leading after his first runs in Q3. Despite a minor brush with the wall at Turn 5, he maintained his composure and delivered a stunning lap when it mattered most, leaving Sainz just a tenth of a second behind in second place. Gasly, fresh off a double podium finish in Brazil, completed the top three, showcasing Alpine’s rising competitive form.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured fourth, while championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris lined up fifth and sixth, respectively, setting the stage for an intense battle in the race. Yuki Tsunoda impressed with a seventh-place finish, while Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top ten. Hamilton, however, struggled with mistakes on both of his Q3 laps, unable to find the rhythm he needed.
The session was not without its setbacks. Franco Colapinto faced a dramatic crash in Q2, scattering debris and casting a shadow over the Williams garage as they quickly worked to prepare his car for the race. Colapinto’s unfortunate incident left him starting in 14th place, pending repairs.
In stark contrast to Russell’s triumph, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez continued to grapple with grip issues, suffering yet another early exit from qualifying in 16th place. His struggles have become a recurring theme this season, leaving him with a daunting challenge ahead.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also faced a difficult session, with Alonso finishing 17th and Stroll at the back of the grid due to a power unit change that limited his track time.
