In Austin the Dutchman is the fastest. The hero of the day, however, is Hulkenberg, fourth, while the Ferraris disappoint once again
Max Verstappen is the sprint poleman of the United States GP. In the Texas rodeo in Austin, the world champion won the pole position in the mini race on Saturday, sending a significant signal to McLaren. The two papayas, favorites after free practice, are once again behind Red Bull, with Norris second at 71 thousandths and Piastri in third, almost four tenths behind the Dutchman. The hero of the day, however, is Nico Hulkenberg, fourth with Sauber ahead of Russell, the only Mercedes in the top ten (Antonelli is eleventh). The Spanish duo Alonso-Sainz (sixth and seventh) then precedes the first of the two Ferraris: Hamilton is eighth, Leclerc only tenth after risking elimination in SQ1.
VERSTAPPEN HIT, FERRARI WORKS
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We’ll start calling it the “Verstappen shot.” When the Dutchman keeps behind the group, marking the time that counts last, in the end the stopwatch almost always proves him right. And even in Austin, a difficult track with a high technical level, the world champion is ahead of everyone. He believes in the world championship: “I have a 50% chance”, and he can’t do better. Certainly helping him is a far from perfect McLaren: the papaya car is fast, but Norris – at the center of discussions after the contact with his Singaporean teammate – is second at 71 thousandths. It will take a super start to outwit Max, not exactly the Englishman’s specialty. Piastri is third and in difficulty: the world championship leader is in trouble, and the almost four tenths gained by Red Bull are the portrait of an evident moment of difficulty. And Ferrari? The red car struggles, a lot: the first sector, where perfect aerodynamic balance is required, sends the SF-25 into overdrive, constantly oversteering in the Austin corners and a full four tenths away from Hulkenberg’s Sauber (!). Hamilton is eighth, Leclerc (the gearbox on his SF-25 was replaced after free practice) even tenth.
SQ2, ANTONELLI OUT, FERRARI WHAT A RISK
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A long wait in the pit lane inaugurates SQ2, with the drivers lining up in an attempt to gain a few seconds of space from those in front. The one who doesn’t wait is Verstappen: solo lap and second time for the Dutchman. In front of him is Norris, behind him the other McLaren of Piastri. Ferrari struggled, with Hamilton and Leclerc narrowly saved after a thrilling double attempt. Miami’s sprint poleman, Kimi Antonelli, was mocked: the Bolognese was eliminated by Hamilton’s red by just six thousandths.
SQ1, LECLERC THRILL
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Sprint qualifying begins, as per the regulations, with all drivers on medium compound tyres. No surprises either in the standings, which sees Norris’ McLaren ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull after the first ten minutes of the session. Hamilton’s Ferrari also did well, comfortably fourth. A few more thrills for Leclerc, forced into a double attempt after an uncompetitive first lap and only thirteenth and save for a handful of tenths. Tsunoda’s Red Bull was out in SQ1, with the Japanese caught by the bagged flag just as he crossed the finish line to start his lap. With him also eliminated the two Haas, the Alpine of Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto.
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