Max Verstappen dominates F1 United States Sprint qualifying

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) claimed the top spot for the sprint race at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix while also widening his lead in the drivers championship race and moving one step closer to clinching the title.

Verstappen’s impressive lap narrowly beat George Russell (Mercedes) to secure the spot ahead of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Lando Norris (McLaren) in the standings race leader board race positions list board.

Verstappen currently maintains a 52-point lead over his competitors, with Norris relying on a Verstappen absence from a race to have a chance at catching up in the 2024 championship battle.

McLaren had mixed results during qualifying sessions, with Lando Norris securing the P4 spot despite facing challenges with his car’s balance, while Oscar Piastri had a tough day qualifying P16 and losing his lap time due to breaching track limits.

2024 United States GP Sprint Starting Grid

• P1 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – Qual time: 1:32.833
• P2 – George Russell (Mercedes) – Qual time: 1:32.845
• P3 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – Qual time: 1:33.059
• P4 – Lando Norris (McLaren) – Qual time: 1:33.083
• P5 – Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – Qual time: 1:33.089
• P6 – Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) – Qual time: 1:33.183
• P7 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – Qual time: 1:33.378
• P8 – Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – Qual time: 1:33.398
• P9 – Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Powertrains) – Qual time: 1:33.802
• P10 – Franco Colapinto (Williams) – Qual time: 1:34.406
• P11 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) – Qual time: 1:34.244
• P12 – Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – Qual time: 1:34.363
• P13 – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
• P14 – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
• P15 – Liam Lawson (Red Bull Powertrains)
• P16 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Qual time: 1:34.881
• P17 – Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – Qual time: 1:34.917
• P18 – Alex Albon (Williams) – Qual time: 1:35.054
• P19 – Valtteri Bottas (Sauber) – Qual time: 1:35.148
• P20 – Guanyu Zhou (Sauber) – Qual time: 1:36.472

Red Bull came under scrutiny for potential rule violations after modifying their vehicle following talks with the FIA.

The team dismissed accusations related to a ride height control system referred to as a “bib”.

Although allegations were made, Norris hinted that the utilisation of such a mechanism might not have had a big effect on outcomes.

Formula 1 is heading into a three-week stretch, with races in Texas, Mexico and then Brazil as the title fight heats up between contenders.

Verstappen is eager to break his streak of eight races without a win and isn’t letting Red Bulls performance tweaks bother him as he gears up for the challenges ahead, with the top Formula 1 bookmakers pricing him at $1.20 to claim the sprint and currently $3.50 for the race on Monday at 5am AEST.

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