2024 United States Grand Prix – Qualifying Drama at COTA
Lando Norris secured a sensational pole position for the United States Grand Prix, taking advantage of an eventful qualifying session at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
In the closing moments of Q3, a crash by George Russell disrupted several drivers’ final laps, including Max Verstappen, who had been on track to snatch pole. Forced to back off, Verstappen’s attempt to steal the top spot was thwarted, giving Norris a well-earned pole.
McLaren’s resurgence this season continues to impress, with Norris displaying composure under pressure to claim the top grid position. However, it was a session of mixed fortunes for Mercedes. Russell narrowly escaped an early exit in Q1, climbing out of the bottom five with a late effort. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured a disastrous qualifying session, failing to make it out of Q1. The seven-time world champion struggled through a poor middle sector and finished just ahead of the Williams and Sauber drivers.
Hamilton’s early exit marked a major setback, as both he and Russell had hoped to bounce back from a disappointing sprint race earlier in the weekend. With Hamilton’s elimination and Russell’s crash ending the session prematurely, Mercedes’ weekend has turned from bad to worse.
As the drivers prepare for Sunday’s race, Norris sits in a prime position to capitalize on his pole, while Verstappen will be eager to recover after missing out on the top spot. Mercedes, on the other hand, faces a challenging task to recover points and momentum in what has become a weekend to forget for the Brackley-based team.
