Antonelli snatches a sensational first pole in Austin
Kimi Antonelli secured a stunning maiden pole position in a dramatic qualifying session for the United States Grand Prix. The young driver delivered a phenomenal lap in the final moments, displacing Max Verstappen who had to settle for second on the grid.
The battle for the top spot was intense throughout the hour, with Verstappen initially looking to secure his third consecutive pole in Austin. Charles Leclerc showed strong pace by topping the timesheets in Q2, while Verstappen managed his tyre allocation by running a used set.
Early shocks as big names tumble
The session was not without its major surprises, particularly during the first qualifying segment. In a significant turn of events, both Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz were unexpectedly eliminated, joining Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, and Valtteri Bottas on the sidelines.
The fight for the top ten shootout in Q2 also claimed several notable drivers, with Fernando Alonso and Oliver Bearman failing to make the cut. The final top five was completed by an impressive Isack Hadjar in third, followed by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Session highlights
- Kimi Antonelli secured his first-ever pole position with a blistering lap time of 1:32.485.
- Major upsets in Q1 saw both Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz fail to advance to the second session.
- Isack Hadjar delivered a standout performance to qualify in an impressive third position for the race.
Full Results Qualifying United States GP 2026
| POS | DRIVER | TEAM | TIME / GAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Kimi Antonelli |
Mercedes AMG F1 | 1:34.035 |
| 2 |  Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing | 1:34.214 |
| 3 |  Isack Hadjar |
Red Bull Racing | 1:34.250 |
| 4 |  Charles Leclerc |
Scuderia Ferrari | 1:34.267 |
| 5 |  Lewis Hamilton |
Scuderia Ferrari | 1:34.311 |
| 6 | George Russell |
Mercedes AMG F1 | 1:34.476 |
| 7 |  Oscar Piastri |
McLaren F1 team | 1:34.803 |
| 8 | Lando Norris |
McLaren F1 team | 1:35.049 |
| 9 | Arvid Lindblad |
Racing Bulls | 1:36.049 |
| 10 |  Liam Lawson |
Racing Bulls | 1:35.058 |
| 11 | Pierre Gasly |
Alpine F1 | 1:35.080 |
| 12 |  Nico Hulkenberg |
Audi F1 Team | 1:35.158 |
| 13 |  Gabriel Bortoleto |
Audi F1 Team | 1:35.691 |
| 14 |  Franco Colapinto |
Alpine F1 | 1:35.722 |
| 15 |  Fernando Alonso |
Aston Martin F1 Team | 1:35.818 |
| 16 | Oliver Bearman |
Haas F1 | 1:36.031 |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon |
Haas F1 | 1:36.531 |
| 18 |  Lance Stroll |
Aston Martin F1 Team | 1:36.677 |
| 19 | Carlos Sainz |
Williams Racing | 1:36.770 |
| 20 |  Alexander Albon |
Williams Racing | 1:36.967 |
| 21 |  Sergio Pérez |
Cadillac F1 Team | 1:37.433 |
| 22 |  Valtteri Bottas |
Cadillac F1 Team | 1:37.523 |
