VERSTAPPEN SALVAGES POLE POSITION IN USA GP 2025 QUALIFYING: ONE LAP WAS ENOUGH

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Saturday, October 19, 2025 | Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas

Dutchman Secured Top Spot on First Attempt Despite Missing Final Run

The Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas witnessed dramatic qualifying for the 2025 USA Grand Prix on Saturday as Max Verstappen secured pole position even though he didn't complete his final attempt in Q3. The front rows offer an exciting mix of drivers and teams promising a thrilling Sunday race at the 19th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.

VERSTAPPEN: ONE ATTEMPT WAS ENOUGH

Max Verstappen achieved the incredible. He secured pole position with a time of 1:32.510 on his first attempt in Q3 and the Dutchman didn't manage to start his final attempt before the checkered flag dropped.

"I think in every segment the car was very strong. Sometimes it can just be tricky to put the whole lap together. It's very hot here and strong winds," said Verstappen after qualifying who maintained a 0.291-second advantage over second-placed Lando Norris.

Verstappen's composure entering Q3 knowing he had only one shot at a perfect lap shows the confidence of a driver who knows his Red Bull car is capable of something special on this track.

TIGHT BATTLE FOR FRONT POSITIONS

The top three positions were separated by just three-tenths showing how evenly matched the top of the Formula 1 field is this season:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:32.510
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) - +0.291s
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - +0.297s (just 0.006s behind Norris!)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - six-time USA GP winner
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
8. Ollie Bearman (Haas)
9. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

The gap between second-placed Norris and third-placed Leclerc was an incredible 0.006 seconds which is practically an unmeasurable difference and shows how sharp the battles for front row positions were.

SURPRISES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS

Qualifying brought several unexpected moments that dramatically affected the results:

Red flag at the start after Isack Hadjar's (Racing Bulls) crash interrupted Q1 and disrupted the rhythm of many drivers.

Nico Hülkenberg (Kick Sauber) failed to replicate his strong Friday performance from sprint qualifying and was eliminated in Q2 in 11th place - a disappointment for the team and fans who expected better results.

Lance Stroll and Alex Albon paid the price for exceeding track limits their fastest laps were deleted which drastically affected their qualifying positions. Stroll's five-place penalty will additionally drop him to the very back of the starting grid.

Charles Leclerc executed a complete spin in the final corner during his first Q3 attempt which looked like the end of his hopes for a front row position. Yet the Monegasque driver showed mental resilience and on his second attempt set the third-fastest time - an impressive comeback after the mistake.

HAMILTON SEEKING SEVENTH VICTORY

Lewis Hamilton holds the record with six victories at the USA Grand Prix and will be looking for his seventh win at this track on Sunday. Starting from fifth place gives him a solid chance to fight for the podium or even victory.

Hamilton knows the Circuit of the Americas better than anyone else in the field and his experience at this track could be key in Sunday's race.

HISTORIC CONTEXT

The USA Grand Prix has a long and rich tradition in F1:

• First held in 1908 as the American Grand Prize
• Since 2012 held at Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas
• This is already the sixth circuit to host the USA GP (after Sebring Riverside Watkins Glen Phoenix Indianapolis)
• Lewis Hamilton holds the record with six victories at this Grand Prix
• This year's race is the 19th on the 2025 F1 calendar and the fourth with sprint format

The Circuit of the Americas is known for its challenging corners especially the famous Turn 1 uphill climb and technical sector combinations. The track requires excellent mechanical grip and drivers must find the perfect balance between speed and control.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAY

Sunday's main race will start at 2:00 PM local time. Verstappen has the ideal position to claim another victory but the tight gaps in qualifying suggest there could be exciting battles.

McLaren with both cars in the top six has a strong position for team strategy. Ferrari with Leclerc in third place will want to use the car's speed on the long straights. Mercedes with Russell and Antonelli also has a chance to fight for front positions.

The Texas heat and tire degradation will play a key role. Pit stop strategy could dramatically affect the race result at one of the most challenging and entertaining circuits of the season.

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Photo: Circuit of The Americas

More information:24live.com