World championship leader Max Verstappen (Red Bull) took pole position at the F1 United States Grand Prix on Saturday, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), his rival for the title race, ahead of him by six points only.
It is the 9th time this season in 16 events that the Dutchman of 24 will start at the top of the grid and the first time in Austin, where Hamilton has become accustomed to reigning (three poles, four wins) with Mercedes.
But this time, as far as qualifying is concerned, on his Red Bull, Verstappen was faster, as evidenced by the gap of just over two tenths between him and the Englishman, which illustrates the trend that s ‘is installed over the weekend.
The second row goes to the Mexican Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) who achieved the 3rd time and to the Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who finished with the 5th fastest time, but climbs one rank taking advantage of the downgrading of Valterri Bottas ( Mercedes).
The Finn, who changed his engine for the 6th time, beyond the authorized quota (3), was penalized by five places and will start in 9th position.
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Obviously hampered by the traffic at the start of Q1, Hamilton and Bottas were disappointing with the 8th and 9th fastest times.
Better in Q2 where Hamilton clocked the second fastest time, but still quite far behind, more than 3 / 10th behind the fastest Verstappen
Ocon him did not pass the cut of the 2nd part
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