Max Verstappen turns up heat on Lando Norris after taking sprint race pole at US Grand Prix
Max Verstappen intensified the pressure on Lando Norris by securing pole position for the sprint race at the United States Grand Prix. With the championship entering its final phase, Norris finds himself 52 points behind Verstappen and facing a crucial challenge in Austin. Starting three places behind Verstappen after qualifying fourth, Norris must deliver a strong performance in the 19-lap sprint to keep his title hopes alive.
Verstappen, despite a recent dry spell without a win since the Spanish Grand Prix nearly four months ago, showcased his class at Circuit of the Americas. In a dramatic qualifying session, he edged out Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.012 seconds, setting the fastest lap in the final moments. Verstappen’s pole not only boosts his confidence but also gives him an upper hand going into Saturday’s sprint race.
For Norris, starting from fourth means he faces an uphill battle, especially with Verstappen in prime position to extend his points lead. If the Dutch driver capitalizes on his pole position, it could further dent Norris’s championship ambitions with only six rounds left in the season. Meanwhile, Russell’s second-place qualification highlights Mercedes’ growing competitiveness, adding another layer of complexity to Norris’s task.
The sprint race now holds heightened importance, serving as both a critical opportunity for points and momentum in the title race. With Verstappen back on top in qualifying, the championship narrative has taken another twist, signaling that Norris must find a way to respond swiftly to keep his fading title hopes alive.
