US Grand Prix / Verstappen Dominates US Grand Prix Qualifying, Secures Pole Ahead of Norris

Red Bull's Max Verstappen clinched pole position at the United States Grand Prix, outpacing McLaren's Lando Norris. Despite a late start preventing a final run, Verstappen's dominant performance secured pole by 0.291 seconds. Championship leader Oscar Piastri qualified a disappointing sixth, while Norris expressed hopes for a strong race against Verstappen.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen delivered an imperious performance to secure pole position at the United States Grand Prix, comfortably beating McLaren's Lando Norris. Championship leader Oscar Piastri, who has struggled throughout the weekend, could only manage sixth place.

Verstappen's Commanding Performance

Verstappen was sent out too late to complete a final run in Q3, but his initial strong lap proved sufficient. "It was good, every segment the car was very strong, just trying to put the lap together around here is very tricky," Verstappen stated. "The first run in Q3 was good, while just managed to improve a little bit on Q2. I didn't manage to do my final run, it was a bit messy with the out laps but fortunately we didn't need it. " His performance highlighted why rivals are concerned about his pace.

Norris and Leclerc's Battle for P2

Lando Norris saved his best for last in what he described as a "struggle" of a session, snatching second on the grid by a mere 0. 006 seconds from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Norris admitted, "There was no chance we could have got pole today. I look forward to hopefully have a good race with Max. " Leclerc, despite spinning out on his first Q3 run, was surprised by his strong third-place finish. "It was quite big surprise, especially considering the weekend has been very difficult," he commented.

Piastri's Struggles and Mercedes' Improvements

Oscar Piastri's difficulties continued into qualifying, with the McLaren driver stating, "Just a tricky session, didn't really feel terribly comfortable out there and the lap times show (it), while " He qualified 0. 574 seconds off the pace. Mercedes showed improvement, with George Russell qualifying fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth, just 0. 105 seconds behind Leclerc. Hamilton noted, "To be third and fifth is a real step forward.