Verstappen Reflects on Narrowly Missing Pole to Norris
Max Verstappen revealed how a combination of factors cost him pole position during qualifying for the 2024 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Although the Dutchman will start from second on the grid, he expressed confidence that pole was within reach before time lost at Turn 19 and a disrupted final lap impacted his chances.
Verstappen admitted he struggled in his first Q3 run, saying, “On the first lap I lost quite a bit of time at Turn 19. That’s unfortunate.” Determined to make up for the mistake, he launched a second attempt that was shaping up to be much faster. However, George Russell’s crash triggered yellow flags, forcing Verstappen to back off and abandon the lap.
Reflecting on the incident, Verstappen maintained a positive outlook. “I knew we had another run, but unfortunately I couldn’t finish the lap. Otherwise, we had a good shot [at pole], but that’s how it goes,” he said. Despite the setback, Verstappen seemed content with his front-row start, acknowledging Red Bull’s competitive pace. “The potential was there to be first, so that’s very good,” the reigning world champion concluded, focusing on the race ahead and the opportunity to challenge Lando Norris on Sunday.
