Sergio Perez takes pole position at the United States Grand Prix (the third of his career) with skill and a bit of luck. The one that world championship leader Max Verstappen lacks. The Dutchman, having risked spinning, does not have time to re-launch his Red Bull and will start from ninth. A mistake by Charles Leclerc, who lost the rear of his Ferrari and finished against the wall, brought up a red flag with 1’36 inches left at the end of the third quarter. At that moment, Perez (Red Bull) was leading, followed by Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin.
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Perez on pole, ahead of Alonso and Sainz © Ansa
Behind the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz (best qualifier of the year) and the Haas of Kevin Magnussen. The situation took shape due to Leclerc’s accident and the “blocked” grid, with Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and George Russell (Mercedes) on the third row. Fourth Leclerc and Esteban Ocon (Alpine). Right from the start, Miami’s asphalt reserves have been surprises for the riders, who see times pick up at an amazing pace in the first quarter. They all start with the red rubber and at the end of 15 minutes the best time is from Verstappen, followed by Sainz, Perez and Leclerc. Fifth Magnussen surprise with Haas. Qualifying for the second quarter with a racing heart for Mercedes. Hamilton and Russell stay out until the last minute, then pass for the sixth and eleventh. McLaren collects a double elimination. Q2 is equally exciting, even if the top positions haven’t changed much. Verstappen Leclerc, Alonso, Sainz and Perez are ahead. The second qualifier makes for an excellent “victim”: Hamilton will start 13th tomorrow. Albon, Hulkenberg, Zhou and De Vries are also still out. But volatility is in store for them in the exciting Q3 finale.
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