Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc wins the pole for the United States Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen drops to sixth

In a thrilling qualifying session for this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc won his third pole position of the year on Friday as Max Verstappen dropped to sixth.

With a best lap time of one minute and 34.723 seconds, the Ferrari driver outran McLaren’s Lando Norris by a tenth, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes finishing third.

George Russell, driving the second Williams, was third, followed by Verstappen and Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari. Verstappen’s late fastest lap, which would have qualified him for pole, was wiped out because he went above the track restrictions at Turn 19.

Leclerc won his 21st pole position, giving him a chance to prevent recently crowned three-time champion Verstappen from securing his 50th career win in the race on Sunday.

Leclerc said, “I am really satisfied with my qualification and to win pole position.

“The crew performed a fantastic job, and it was a very excellent lap. We had a flawless first practice, which is crucial during these sprint weekends.

Norris called his starting in the first row a “bonus for the team.”

I believe I was fast enough to take first place, he remarked. Charles claimed to have made a few errors, but I also did! In any case, I’m content with second place.

Hamilton said: “I love being here at this circuit and I love the country.” Hamilton enjoyed the performance of his car’s modifications at one of his favorite tracks. This is one of my favorite circuits, right up there with Silverstone, since it is so unbelievably difficult.

“Thanks to everyone in the factory who has been working so hard, we got one step closer to these gentlemen this weekend. Tomorrow, I’ll do my best to succeed.