Max Verstappen
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Formula 1 News: Verstappen wins pole for 2024 USGP Sprint Race

Posted by AR1 staff

Max Verstappen turned a lap of 1m32.833s in his Red Bull Honda to win the pole position for Saturday’s USGP Sprint Race at the Circuit of Americas.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Verstappen has won all three of the Sprint races so far this year, and has won the USGP the last three years.

“Let’s go, nice one!” says Verstappen on the radio. “Happy with that, happy with that, a great return after a little break.”

“We had a good day, Sprint quali is very difficult as you do medium-medium then soft, so you don’t know how much you can push. Happy to be first, it’s been awhile.

“Always very hectic but this track is amazing to drive. It’s not easy but it’s fun. We’ll do the best we can tomorrow in the Sprint, but we know the most points are available on Sunday and that’s where we really want to do well.”

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen says he’s comfortable with the balance of the car at COTA after his pole for Saturday’s sprint race. He’s still wary of the bulk of competitive cars nearby, though.

George Russell was an impressive 2nd quick in his #63 Mercedes, 0.012s behind Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc was third in the #16 Ferrari, 0.226s behind Verstappen’s Red Bull.

Verstappen’s title rival, Lando Norris, was 4th in his #4 McLaren, 0.250s behind the Dutchman.

Carlos Sainz Jr. rounded out the top-5 in the #55 Ferrari, 0.256s behind Verstappen. The times for 3rd, 4th and 5th were extremely close.

Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton, Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto round out the top 10.

Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri were knocked out in SQ2 and SQ1 respectively, leaving their teammates with no one to help them in the Sprint Race. Sergio was just not fast enough once again, and Piastri went over the white line and had his fast lap deleted.

So, up front it is advantage Verstappen with his title rival Norris down in fourth. That’s a potential three point swing in Verstappen’s favor if they finish where they start.

But how about Russell in P2? He’ll fancy his chances into Turn 1 tomorrow, and arguably has much less to lose than Verstappen.

2024 USGP Sprint Race Qualifying Results

Pos No Driver Car Q1 Q2 Q3 Laps
1 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT 1:33.908 1:33.290 1:32.833 12
2 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:34.125 1:33.544 1:32.845 14
3 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:33.647 1:33.392 1:33.059 12
4 4 Lando Norris McLaren Mercedes 1:33.919 1:33.566 1:33.083 14
5 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:34.109 1:33.274 1:33.089 12
6 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas Ferrari 1:34.825 1:33.994 1:33.183 14
7 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:33.840 1:33.370 1:33.378 12
8 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas Ferrari 1:34.403 1:33.788 1:33.398 14
9 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB Honda RBPT 1:34.646 1:34.052 1:33.802 12
10 43 Franco Colapinto Williams Mercedes 1:34.606 1:33.952 1:34.406 15
11 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT 1:34.333 1:34.244 – 9
12 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine Renault 1:34.865 1:34.363 – 9
13 18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes 1:34.324 – – 9
14 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes 1:34.436 – – 9
15 30 Liam Lawson RB Honda RBPT 1:34.617 – – 9
16 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren Mercedes 1:34.881 – – 6
17 31 Esteban Ocon Alpine Renault 1:34.917 – – 6
18 23 Alexander Albon Williams Mercedes 1:35.054 – – 6
19 77 Valtteri Bottas Kick Sauber Ferrari 1:35.148 – – 6
20 24 Zhou Guanyu Kick Sauber Ferrari 1:36.472 – – 6