Lando Norris beat title rival Max Verstappen to take pole for the United States Grand Prix as George Russell’s crash ended qualifying early.
McLaren’s Norris put in a superb effort to lead world championship leader Verstappen by 0.031s in their first flying laps of the session, before both drivers were forced to abandon their second run when Russell crashed at Turn 19.
Verstappen set up a fast first sector and found himself with a strong chance of improving his lead time, while Norris is unlikely to better his previous effort after failing to match his previous time in the first part of the circuit.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Saturday’s qualifying highlights from the United States Grand Prix
The result boosts Norris’ hopes of building on Verstappen in Sunday’s race, after the Red Bull driver extended his lead over the Briton at the top of the standings to 54 points by winning the Sprint earlier on Saturday.
Ferrari closed the second row through Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with the third-placed Spaniard three-tenths of a second off pole time.
Norris is more likely to be supported by his teammate than Verstappen on Sunday, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastre finishing fifth, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez could only finish 10th after he scrapped his the only Q3 flying lap to break track limits.
Russell finished sixth as his crash compounded a hugely disappointing session for Mercedes, who had earlier seen Lewis Hamilton shock exit Q1 as he qualified 19th.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton crashed out of the first quarter of the United States Grand Prix
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly produced a hugely impressive display to finish seventh ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Haas’ Kevin Magnussen.
Liam Lawson, driving his first race at RB since replacing Daniel Ricciardo, set an impressive pace from Q1 but will start from the back of the grid due to a penalty for taking new engine parts.
More to follow…
United States GP schedule live on Sky Sports F1
Sunday October 20
18:30. Grand Prix Sunday. United States GP Rally*
20:00. United States Grand Prix*
22:00. Checkered flag. United States GP reaction
23:00 Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event (Sunday race meeting from 7.15pm)
Watch the entire United States GP Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
