(Austin) World Championship leader Max Verstappen (Red Bull) took pole position in the F1 United States Grand Prix on Saturday, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), his title race rival he is ahead of him. six points only.
This is the 9e time this season in 16 events that the Dutchman of 24 will start at the top of the grid and the first time in Austin, where Hamilton has developed the habit of reigning (three poles, four wins) with Mercedes.
But this time, as far as qualifying is concerned, on his Red Bull, Verstappen was faster, as evidenced by the gap of just over two tenths between him and the Englishman, which illustrates the trend that s ‘is installed over the weekend.
The second row goes to the Mexican Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) who achieved the 3e time and Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who finished with the 5e stopwatch, but climbed one rank taking advantage of the downgrading of Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes).
The Finn, who changed his engine for the 6e times, beyond the authorized quota (3), was penalized by five places and will start in 9e positron.
Obviously hampered by traffic at the start of Q1, Hamilton and Bottas were disappointing with the 8e and the 9e time.
Better in Q2 where Hamilton managed the 2e best time, but still quite far behind at more than 3/10 e fastest Verstappen
Ocon did not pass the cut of the 2e part