Kimi Antonelli delivered a sensational performance at the Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, securing pole position for the United States round with a stunning lap of 1:34.035. The Mercedes youngster beat Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds, while Isack Hadjar completed the top three for Red Bull. With the championship entering its decisive stages, Antonelli has put himself in the perfect position to turn a remarkable qualifying result into another major step towards the world title.
The result was particularly impressive given that Ferrari had dominated the weekend’s practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had looked like serious contenders after showing excellent pace on Friday and during Saturday’s final practice. However, when qualifying began to count, Mercedes found another level of performance. Antonelli steadily improved throughout the session, showing impressive confidence through Austin’s fast corners and technical middle sector to put himself firmly in contention for pole.
Max Verstappen emerged as his biggest challenger in the final shootout. The Red Bull driver looked increasingly competitive as the session progressed and produced a strong final attempt, stopping the clock at 1:34.214. It was not enough to dislodge Antonelli, who had already done the damage with his outstanding lap. Verstappen will nevertheless start from the front row, giving him an excellent opportunity to challenge the Mercedes driver into the steep uphill approach to Turn 1 on Sunday.
Hadjar made it a superb qualifying session for Red Bull by taking third place with a 1:34.250, just ahead of Leclerc. The Ferrari driver missed the front row by a tiny margin, finishing fourth on 1:34.267, while Hamilton had to settle for fifth. The disappointing result was a major setback for Ferrari after its encouraging practice pace, leaving both drivers with work to do if they are to challenge for victory. George Russell qualified sixth, giving Mercedes a strong position with both cars inside the top six.
McLaren also had a frustrating afternoon. Lando Norris had set the pace in the opening qualifying segment, but his fastest lap in the final session was deleted for exceeding track limits, leaving him eighth on the grid. Oscar Piastri could manage only seventh, meaning neither McLaren driver will start from the first three rows. Arvid Lindblad secured ninth place, while Liam Lawson completed the top ten without setting a time in the final session.
For Antonelli, pole position could hardly have come at a better time. The Italian arrives in Austin with a substantial championship advantage and the opportunity to take a decisive step towards the title this weekend. However, Verstappen will be a formidable threat from second, and the long run to the first corner could make the opening lap crucial. After beating both Red Bull drivers and overcoming Ferrari’s practice advantage, Antonelli has delivered a clear statement of intent. Now he must convert that speed into a victory on Sunday.
MiniDrivers – 2026 United States – Qualifying
Deja una respuesta