Max Verstappen expressed frustration with Red Bull’s performance during the final segment of Qualifying for the 2026 F1 United States GP, despite securing second place on the grid behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. The Dutchman had demonstrated competitive pace throughout Q1 and Q2 but struggled with an unexpected lack of rear grip during Q3, preventing him from challenging for pole position.
Verstappen ultimately recorded a 1:34.214 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), finishing 0.179s behind Antonelli, while Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar qualified third. Although the result placed both Red Bull drivers among the leading three, Verstappen admitted that he had expected more following his earlier performance.
The four-time World Champion also discussed Red Bull’s tyre performance, his expectations for Sunday’s race and the prospect of further battles with Antonelli, who enters the Grand Prix with his first opportunity to secure the 2026 Drivers’ Championship.
Verstappen frustrated by unexpected loss of grip during Q3 at the 2026 F1 United States GP
Red Bull appeared competitive throughout Saturday’s Qualifying session, with Verstappen progressing comfortably through the opening two segments. The Dutchman demonstrated particularly strong pace during Q2, setting his fastest lap on a used set of soft tyres and securing a place in the final shootout without needing another attempt.
However, his confidence did not translate into the performance he expected during Q3. Despite switching to fresh tyres, Verstappen struggled to find sufficient grip, particularly through the final sector, where he could not rely on the rear of his RB22.
Although he ultimately qualified second, just ahead of Hadjar, Verstappen acknowledged that the result fell short of his expectations.
“Q1 and Q2, I felt really good. I mean, I did my fastest lap in Q2 on a used set, so when I went to Q3, I had high hopes. But unfortunately, it just felt bad. I just didn’t really have the grip that I wanted, so I couldn’t lean on the rear the way I wanted in the final sector, and that just cost me too much time. And then, of course, when you look at the sheets and you’re starting P2, it’s nice and it’s a good result, but I was hoping for more, and this was just not it. But if it’s, let’s say, not a great feeling in qualifying and then that’s a P2, I’ll take it. But there’s no need to then smile and be super happy about it.”
Changing wind conditions complicate Red Bull’s final Qualifying attempts at the 2026 United States GP
The changing conditions at COTA presented another challenge during Q3, with increasingly strong and unpredictable gusts affecting drivers as they attempted to improve their lap times.
Several competitors struggled during their final flying laps, including Antonelli, who abandoned his second attempt after a significant slide exiting Turn 13. Verstappen also encountered difficulties through the same section, losing considerable time and failing to improve on his original benchmark.
However, the Red Bull driver rejected the suggestion that wind conditions alone explained his difficulties. While he acknowledged that the stronger gusts influenced his final attempt, he had already experienced a substantial difference in handling during his opening Q3 run.
“Wind for sure picked up, but even with that, it’s not an excuse for why Q3 felt the way it felt for me in the first run. The second run, for sure, was influenced by the wind, but yes, it just didn’t feel the same. Q2 felt great on a used set, and then you think, okay, you put a new set on, now it’s time to really push, and it just didn’t come alive. That was my feeling, but that can happen.”
Verstappen’s inability to improve left Antonelli’s opening Q3 lap of 1:34.035 unbeaten. Meanwhile, Hadjar finished just 0.036s behind his teammate, securing third and giving Red Bull two cars in the leading three positions.
Verstappen unable to explain difference between used and fresh tyres in 2026 F1 United States GP Qualifying
Verstappen also addressed the unusual difference in tyre performance between Q2 and Q3, particularly after completing his strongest Q2 lap on a used set.
Throughout the session, several drivers adopted different tyre strategies to preserve fresh sets for the final segment. Red Bull’s approach allowed Verstappen to progress through Q2 without completing an additional run, leaving him with new tyres available for the battle for pole.
However, the expected improvement did not materialise. Despite switching to fresh soft tyres, the Dutchman struggled to reproduce the balance and grip he had experienced earlier in Qualifying.
Asked whether the transition from used to new tyres, including changes in tyre temperature, could explain the difference, Verstappen pointed to his previous experience with similar approaches.
“Probably normally, but I’ve done that many times before. I’ve even qualified once with only two sets, so there is no explanation why in Q3 it just didn’t come together, apart from the last lap, where I think everyone struggled for lap time. But it’s something that we have to look at because it’s very odd, of course, that you have, let’s say, the best feeling on a used set.”
The unexpected performance difference left Red Bull with questions following a session in which Verstappen had otherwise demonstrated the pace to challenge Mercedes. Nevertheless, second place provides a front-row starting position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Verstappen optimistic about Red Bull’s F1 race pace despite Qualifying difficulties in at 2026 United States GP
Although Verstappen remained disappointed with his Q3 performance, he expressed greater confidence in Red Bull’s potential over a race distance.
The Dutchman had remained among the leading drivers throughout Free Practice, finishing second behind Charles Leclerc in FP1 before recording the third-fastest time in FP2. He subsequently finished second again during Saturday’s FP3 session, just behind Lewis Hamilton.
However, Friday’s longer runs highlighted tyre degradation as a concern, with drivers struggling to maintain grip on the demanding Austin surface. The high track temperatures and repeated changes of direction placed additional demands on tyre management, particularly as teams evaluated their race preparations.
Verstappen acknowledged that Red Bull still had areas to improve after Friday’s running but remained encouraged by its recent long-run performances.
“I think there was always a bit of room for improvement yesterday, understanding the tyres, probably also in general. But I think lately, yes, we have been happier in the long runs, and I hope that it will be the same tomorrow.”
Starting alongside Antonelli on the front row, Verstappen will have an opportunity to challenge for the lead immediately. With Hadjar directly behind in third, Red Bull also enters the race with both drivers well placed to compete against Mercedes.
Verstappen offers perspective on Antonelli’s first F1 championship opportunity at the 2926 United States GP
Beyond his own Qualifying performance, Verstappen was asked about Antonelli’s first opportunity to secure the 2026 Drivers’ Championship.
The Mercedes driver enters Sunday’s United States GP with a substantial advantage in the standings and could mathematically secure his maiden title if he wins the race and his closest championship rivals finish outside the required positions.
Having experienced several championship battles throughout his career, Verstappen was asked whether he had any advice for Antonelli as the Italian approached a potentially decisive weekend.
However, the Red Bull driver emphasised that Antonelli did not require additional guidance, pointing to the consistency of his performances throughout the season and the opportunities remaining if he does not secure the title in Austin.
“He doesn’t need that. He knows what he’s doing, so he just needs to try and win the race. If it doesn’t happen here, it will happen next weekend. If it doesn’t happen next weekend, it will happen the weekend after. So, I think it’s just been an incredible season, so you have to also just try and enjoy this kind of ride of the last few months that you’ve been in. At one point, of course, it’s official, and then you can celebrate probably a little bit.”
For Verstappen, Sunday’s immediate objective remains challenging Antonelli for victory. However, the two drivers approach the race with different championship considerations, as the Italian attempts to secure his first title while Verstappen looks to build on his recent victories.
Verstappen praises Antonelli’s consistency and welcomes future title battles
Verstappen also discussed the possibility of competing against Antonelli for race victories and championships in future seasons, acknowledging that the competitiveness of their respective cars would influence those battles.
The pair have already faced each other on several occasions during 2026, with Antonelli establishing a commanding championship advantage through consistent performances and Verstappen remaining among his principal rivals on track.
Red Bull’s recent victories in Malaysia and Singapore have strengthened Verstappen’s form heading into Austin, while Antonelli’s seventh pole position of the season has placed the Italian in a strong position to challenge for another victory.
When asked about the prospect of continuing their rivalry, Verstappen praised Antonelli’s performances and acknowledged the Mercedes driver’s position in the championship.
“Yeah, same for me, of course. We are depending a little bit, hopefully, on our cars. Hopefully, they’re both competitive next year as well. But yeah, from the battles that we’ve had so far, it’s been nice. And of course, this year, I think Kimi fully deserves all the success that he’s having. He’s very consistent, he’s putting the performances in when it matters, and once it’s finally official that he is World Champion, he’s definitely a deserving winner.”
Their immediate battle continues on Sunday, with Verstappen seeking to overturn the 0.179-second deficit from Qualifying and prevent Antonelli from converting pole position into victory.
Verstappen aims to challenge Antonelli from front row in Austin
Despite his disappointment over Red Bull’s unexpected loss of grip during Q3, Verstappen will start Sunday’s United States GP from second place, with teammate Hadjar immediately behind in third.
The final Qualifying classification placed just 0.215s between Antonelli and the two Red Bull drivers, leaving the front three closely matched on single-lap pace.
However, Verstappen’s concerns about tyre performance remain an important consideration ahead of the race. The Dutchman experienced a substantial difference in grip between Q2 and Q3, despite switching from used to fresh tyres, and acknowledged that the team must examine why the car failed to respond as expected.
Nevertheless, Red Bull’s recent improvements in long-run performance provide encouragement as Verstappen prepares to challenge for victory. His second-place starting position also offers an opportunity to attack Antonelli during the opening stages, particularly on the uphill approach to Turn 1.
While Antonelli enters the race with the possibility of securing his maiden Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen remains focused on returning to the top step of the podium and converting Red Bull’s competitive qualifying pace into a stronger result on Sunday.
