Lando Norris secures pole position for the US Grand Prix, as he did last time out in Singapore. Next to the Briton in the McLaren is world champion Max Verstappen, just like four weeks ago.
20.10.2024, 01:29
20.10.2024, 10:53
SDA
Norris secured his seventh career pole position, the sixth this season, in Austin with a lead of 31 thousandths over the Dutch world championship leader. In the decisive phase of qualifying, Verstappen himself was well on his way to pole position with his final lap. However, because Norris' compatriot George Russell flew off the track in his Mercedes and crashed into the side of the track barrier at high speed, Verstappen had to abandon his attempt.
The Dutchman, who had driven to victory in the sprint race a few hours earlier in commanding style from the best grid position, was nevertheless satisfied with his performance. An exciting duel between Norris, who finished second in the world championship, and Verstappen in the Red Bull, which has recently improved thanks to upgrades, is expected for the 56-lap GP.
The Ferrari drivers want to play the role of spoilsports. Spaniard Carlos Sainz and Monegasque Charles Leclerc are lined up next to each other on the second row of the grid.
Lewis Hamilton surprisingly retired in the first part of qualifying. The Briton in the Mercedes finished 19th between the Sauber team drivers. Finland's Valtteri Bottas was two thousandths faster than Hamilton, while China's Zhou Guanyu was 74 thousandths slower. The only reason Zhou will not start the US Grand Prix (21:00 CEST) from last place is because Liam Lawson had to accept a 60-place demotion due to the installation of new engine parts. The 22-year-old New Zealander replaces Daniel Ricciardo in the Visa-Red Bull team from this weekend.
