Four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen starts on pole for tomorrow’s Sprint at the US GP following a thrilling battle with Lando Norris for P1 in Sprint Qualifying.
In Q1 and Q2 the British driver was 0.139s and 0.130s faster than the Red Bull man as the pair looked to have a small advantage over Oscar Piastri.
Come SQ3, however, Max Verstappen stepped up, going purple in sectors 1 and 3 to pip Norris to F1 Sprint Qualifying pole by 0.071s.
Verstappen reacts to F1 US GP Sprint Qualifying pole
Speaking after F1 Sprint qualifying at the US GP, Verstappen explained his delight at taking pole. He also discussed the jump from the medium to the soft.
With all drivers mandated to run on the yellow marked tyre in SQ1 and SQ2, a single lap in SQ3 on softs makes it tricky for the drivers. In the final segment, the 28-year-old found 1.020s versus SQ2.
“Yeah, it’s been a nice qualifying. I think throughout all the segments we were quite close, just about trying to put it all together when it matters.
“Of course, at the end, which is not easy because you go to the soft compound with no reference really. But yeah, it worked out well.
“I still expect it to be a tough battle tomorrow in the Sprint, but that’s, I think, exactly what we want to see, right?
“So yeah, excited for tomorrow and happy with today.”
How tricky F1 Sprint Qualifying was for Max Verstappen at the US GP
As always, the bumps at COTA are a major talking point. However, the wind was also playing havoc on Friday afternoon.
Verstappen, winner of four races in 2025, explained a small bit of margin needed to be left.
“Yeah, as you can feel, like the wind is coming up and down, very gusty. The track is very bumpy as well, so the cars can easily step out on you as well at high speed.
“So yeah, you have to leave a few margins here and there.
“But still, nevertheless, I think for us, this has been a very good day again.”
Expectations for Max Verstappen in the F1 US GP Sprint Race
With the start often a big talking point in Austin and tyre degradation a factor, Max Verstappen is wary of both these things ahead of the race. As Singapore showed in clear air, McLaren should hold a pace advantage.
“Just trying to have a good start. It’s a wide turn one as well.
“And then I hope that we have good pace in the race, but we’ll find out tomorrow.”
Verstappen will aim to continue his 100% winning record in Sprints at COTA on Saturday afternoon.
