Charles Leclerc lamented Ferrari’s performance after a painful 10th in Austin sprint qualifying, saying the team is “so far behind now” and not expecting a miracle turnaround.
Max Verstappen claimed pole for the US sprint with a last-minute flyer, beating McLaren’s Norris and Piastri, while Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg delivered a stunning P4 shock in Austin.
Oscar Piastri says his time deficit to Lando Norris in Austin’s sprint qualifying was the result of a “scruffy lap,” but remains confident in his car and targets a stronger race result.
George Russell ruled out a sprint pole at Austin, citing track conditions and timing, but expects Mercedes’ race pace will let him fight for P4 after Hulkenberg’s surprise Q3 lap.
