Verstappen Claims US Grand Prix Sprint Pole with a Stunning Final Lap
In a thrilling showdown at the Circuit of the Americas, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured pole position for the US Grand Prix sprint race, outpacing McLaren’s title contenders, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with a spectacular final flying lap.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, clocked a best time of 1 minute 32.143 seconds, overcoming Norris, who had led the pace in the earlier rounds and the weekend’s only practice session. Norris finished just 0.071 seconds behind, marking a competitive edge as they head into the sprint race.
Despite his recent successes, including victories in the last three regular grands prix, Verstappen remains 63 points behind championship leader Piastri. Both Verstappen and Norris are eager to close the gap, especially with eight valuable points available to the winner of Saturday’s 100km sprint.
“It worked out well, but I still expect it to be a tough battle tomorrow in the sprint. That’s exactly what we want to see,” Verstappen commented, highlighting his dominance in sprint races, having won 12 times and achieved 10 poles since the format’s introduction in 2021.
The challenging conditions on the track were evident, as Verstappen noted the gusty winds and bumpy surface, which can easily unsettle cars at high speeds. “In a qualifying like that, you have to leave a few margins here and there, but for us, this has been a very good day,” he added.
While McLaren has already clinched the constructors’ championship for the second consecutive year, they are still pursuing their first drivers’ title since Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in 2008. Norris, who started from pole in last year’s main race, is keen to secure a strong start without the complications he faced in Singapore.
“Of course, I would’ve loved to have been on pole, but it’s not a surprise for us to be just a bit slower than the Red Bull. Still, I’m pretty happy,” said Norris, reflecting on his performance. He acknowledged minor missteps that cost him precious time on the track.
Piastri expressed similar sentiments, admitting, “I think a pretty scruffy lap to be honest. I just didn’t really get it together. I feel a bit fortunate to be third, but I think the pace in the car is good.”
Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber made an impressive showing, securing the fourth-fastest time, followed by George Russell in fifth for Mercedes and Fernando Alonso in sixth for Aston Martin.
Carlos Sainz qualified seventh for Williams, while Lewis Hamilton will start eighth for Ferrari, just ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc in tenth. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli will line up in eleventh.
