In the streets of Las Vegas, George Russell (Mercedes) overcame the competition to claim the third pole position of his season, the fourth of his career, ahead of the leaders of the world championship. Behind him Pierre Gasly (Alpine) inserted himself between the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz (2nd) and Charles Leclerc (4th), thus signing the best qualification of his career. Finally, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) beat his rival Lando Norris (McLaren) for fifth place.
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The qualifying session was marked by an impressive crash by Franco Colapinto, compromising his chances of starting on Sunday. Eliminated in Q1, Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) will also have to hope for a miracle to do well in the Grand Prix. Initially qualified in nineteenth position, Valtteri Bottas lost a place due to a penalty for changing elements on his car.
The starting grid for the Las Vegas GP
Front line
1. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes)
2. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari)
Second line
3. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine)
4. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari)
Third line
5. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull)
6. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes)
Fourth line
7. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/Racing Bulls)
8. Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren)
Fifth line
9. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Haas)
10. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes)
Sixth line
11. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault)
12. Kevin Magnussen (DAN/Haas)
Seventh line
13. Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Sauber)
14. Franco Colapinto (Williams)*
Eighth line
15. Liam Lawson (NZL/Racing Bulls)
16. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Red Bull)
Ninth line
17. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin)
18. Alexander Albon (THA/Williams)
Tenth line
19. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin)
20. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Sauber)
*After his accident in qualifying, Franco Colapinto is not sure he will be able to start the race due to the numerous damages to his car.