USA Grand Prix, qualifying: Norris on POLE!

The events in Austin are happening quickly, as just a few hours after the sprint race, the qualifying for the USA Grand Prix took place, which was won by Lando Norris.

During Q1, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Sergio Perez dominated the field in the first fast lap. However, a few minutes later, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz took the lead, and ultimately, Verstappen, Leclerc, and the returning Liam Lawson finished in the top 3 in Q1. To the surprise of many, the eliminated drivers included Lewis Hamilton, both Williams cars, and the Stake Alfa Romeo cars.

In Q2, Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri set the pace, with Verstappen, Sainz, and Norris eventually making it into the top three. The track conditions continuously improved, and the competition intensified; during this phase, the USA Grand Prix qualifying session practically felt like a three-way battle. However, for the two VISA RB drivers, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, and Nico Hülkenberg, there was no continuation, as they were eliminated from further contention. 

After that, the decisive Q3 could take place, and it was almost impossible to predict who would be the winner! Accordingly, by the end of the first runs, the order was Norris, Verstappen, Sainz, but the time difference between the leading duo was almost negligible. Verstappen then started the last fast lap sensationally, but he could not convert his pace into results because the qualifying was "interrupted" due to George Russell's accident.

All of this meant that Lando Norris secured the pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz!