For Sainz, who recently finished second in Texas, it was the first pole this year and the sixth overall. “Both laps in Q3 were great and almost perfect. I’m over the moon,” said the 30-year-old. Verstappen was also happy. “I’m very happy to be in the front row here. A lot is possible,” explained the Dutchman. The day before, the three-time world champion had to struggle with major problems; he was given a different engine for the final training and qualifying. Since it was one from the permitted pool, he received no penalty.
Local hero Sergio Perez experienced another disappointment in front of the Mexican fans. The Red Bull driver, who was criticized, had to be content with 18th place on the grid in his ninth home race. “It’s a big disappointment. I especially want to do well in this Grand Prix,” said Perez on ORF and struggled with brake problems. Just one place ahead of Perez is McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, who also didn’t make it past “Q1” in 17th place after a driving error and then with used tires.
In the World Cup ranking, Verstappen leads five races and two sprints before the end of the season, 57 points ahead of his pursuer Norris. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren already leads Red Bull Racing with a lead of 40 points, while Ferrari is only 48 points behind after the recent double victory in Austin.
