Carlos Sainz Jr gave Ferrari his first pole in Austin (Texas), for the United States Grand Prix on Saturday October 22, and will start just ahead of Max Verstappen. The Spaniard, author of the best time (1’34”356), beat his teammate Charles Leclerc, but the Monegasque will not start with him on the first row. Penalized ten places, after the installation of new parts on his power unit, he will start in 12th place, according to the starting grid communicated by the organizers.
STARTING GRID
Here’s how we’ll be setting off on Sunday #USGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/qyYiYNyJ64
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 23, 2022
So it was Verstappen, winner last year in Texas and author of the third qualifying time, who took advantage of it and could directly put pressure on Sainz Jr, who wanted to take advantage of the third pole of his career, without make too many illusions for Sunday. “It was a lot of fun, very tricky too with the gusts of wind. I managed to do a good lap without making any mistakes. But the Red Bulls remain favorites because they usually have the best pace in the race”, he commented.
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), seven-time world champion, will start from third position. The Briton, who would like to win a first victory in 2022, for the honor, on the circuit of the Americas where he has already won four times between 2014 and 2017, has also benefited from a downgrade.
This weekend in Austin was also to be the occasion for a celebration for the British team Red Bull, two weeks after Verstappen’s second consecutive coronation in Japan. Because the chances are real of seeing it win the fifth constructors’ title in its history (since 2005). Several scenarios are possible, the simplest being that its drivers finish ahead of those of Ferrari.
We are saddened to hear of the death of Dietrich Mateschitz
The co-founder of Red Bull made an unforgettable contribution to F1, and leaves a lasting legacy pic.twitter.com/ZuBxwY5CzS
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 22, 2022
But Saturday brought its share of misfortunes for Red Bull, who learned of the death, at 78, of the billionaire hasAustrian Dietrich Mateschitz, ffounder of the energy drink company, as secret as his firm was famous, especially in the world of sports marketing. “This is difficult news for everyone, for Red Bull and for the sport, and for me in particular,” reacted Verstappen.
“We just missed out on pole, but we’ll try to win the race for him,” added the Dutchman, who could, if he wins, equal the record of 13 wins in a season, co-owned by Germans Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.