Max Verstappen knows that pole position is only half the battle. After delivering a brilliant final lap to secure Sprint pole for Red Bull at the United States Grand Prix, the Dutchman admitted he expects a fierce challenge from McLaren in Saturday’s Sprint race.
Verstappen Delivers Under Pressure
The qualifying session at the Circuit of The Americas was tense from the very first lap. Lando Norris, who had been setting the pace all weekend, looked on course to claim pole for McLaren after topping the only practice session and leading the first two rounds of Sprint Qualifying.
But Verstappen, known for his precision and timing, saved his best for last. In the closing moments of SQ3, he produced a near-perfect lap to edge Norris by just 0.071 seconds a margin that showcased the fine balance between risk and control. It marked Verstappen’s third Sprint pole at the Austin circuit, reaffirming his mastery of the short-format qualifying.
“It was a nice qualifying,” Verstappen reflected. “Throughout all the segments, we were really close. It was just about putting it all together at the end, which isn’t easy when you go to the soft tires without much reference. But it worked out well. I still expect a tough battle tomorrow McLaren are quick, and they usually step it up in race conditions. That’s exactly what we want to see. I’m excited for the Sprint and happy with how today went.”
Verstappen claimed his third Sprint pole at the Circuit of The Americas
Red Bull Aware of McLaren’s Growing Threat
While Verstappen celebrated his pole, he and his team know McLaren’s threat is far from over. Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri have been in impressive form lately, pushing Red Bull harder with every race. Their pace advantage in race conditions, combined with their recent confidence, could make Saturday’s Sprint a genuine fight for victory.
After trailing championship leader Piastri by 104 points leaving Zandvoort in August, Verstappen has steadily closed the gap to just 63 points. With valuable Sprint points on offer, this weekend presents another chance for him to narrow the deficit and reignite the title battle.
Asked about McLaren’s potential in the Sprint, Verstappen was clear. “A big one,” he said. “They’re super-fast, and we know that in race conditions they usually have even stronger pace. It’s going to be a real challenge, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies echoed those thoughts while praising Verstappen’s incredible qualifying lap. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he highlighted how fine the margins were between the two teams.
“It was an amazing job from Max and from everyone on the team,” Mekies said. “We were just behind McLaren in Q1 and Q2 — a tenth here, a tenth there. Lando’s lap was fantastic and tough to beat, but Max found that tiny bit of magic in the final corners to grab pole. That’s the difference between great and extraordinary.”
Saturday’s Sprint now looks set to be one of the most competitive of the season. Austin’s demanding track surface, mixed grip levels, and short format will test strategy and tire management to the limit.
For Verstappen, it’s all about staying focused. “We’ve been improving every session,” he said. “The car feels good, and if we can get a clean start, I think we’ll be right in the fight for the win.”
As the sun dips over Texas, the stage is set for an epic Sprint showdown. Verstappen may have drawn first blood, but McLaren’s determination suggests that the battle for supremacy in Austin is far from finished.
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