Spanish driver Carlos Sainz from Ferrari clinched pole position in a tense qualifying session on Saturday ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin. With the focus firmly on the final round of the third quarter, Max Verstappen of Red Bull remained the main challenger as he pursued another victory, keeping the title race wide open heading into race day.
For Sainz, Austin offered a chance to prove the team’s competitiveness on a track that demands precision and speed. While Ferrari and Red Bull dominated the top times, the margin to the rest of the field was small, signaling a potential tight race for podium places. The qualifying results showed Ferrari in the hunt, but the door was still open for strategic play and unpredictable weather or incidents to shake up the grid before the start.
Sainz clocked the fastest time of 1:34.356, narrowly edging his teammate Charles Leclerc by about 0.065 seconds. Leclerc, however, faced a significant setback as he entered Sunday’s starting grid with a 10-place engine change penalty, moving Verstappen and Sainz to the front row. The dynamic created a clear path for Verstappen to lead the pack, with Sainz casting himself as a serious threat on a circuit where every corner tests tire management and mechanical reliability.
In a candid post-qualifying interview, Sainz acknowledged the challenge ahead. He pointed out that Red Bull’s pace is typically formidable on race day and that Max Verstappen has shown resilience and speed when it matters most. The team will be motivated to convert pole into a high-scoring result, especially as sponsors and stakeholders monitor performance across the season. The event also carried an emotional note with the loss of Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of Red Bull, casting a somber mood over the paddock and casting an extra layer of motivation for the team to honor his legacy on track.
Windy conditions at the Circuit of the Americas added another layer of difficulty for all drivers, complicating setup choices and driver feedback. Yet, neither Ferrari nor Red Bull wavered in their commitment to performance. Sergio Perez, who qualified fourth, received a five-place grid penalty, impacting his ability to defend a high position at the start. The Mexican driver remains focused on minimizing losses in the World Championship standings, eyeing a tight battle with Leclerc for the runner-up spot as the season unfolds.
Where to watch Formula 1 races
Fans who aren’t fortunate enough to be trackside can still catch every moment of the action on television. This season, Formula 1 broadcasting in many markets remains a shared effort, with networks coordinating to deliver comprehensive coverage. For some regions, the race stream will be available through established pay providers, while others rely on regional broadcasts for live action, practice, and qualifying. Regardless of where viewers are, the appeal of the sport lies in the theatre of battle on the circuit, the strategic calls by teams, and the constant pursuit of speed and perfection.
If direct access to the official channels isn’t available, fans can still follow the races through reliable live-stream options that provide real-time updates and visualization of the action as it happens. The goal is to deliver an immersive experience that keeps viewers connected to the progress of every driver, every corner, and every crucial moment of the race weekend.
F1 United States GP race schedule
Sunday, October 23
10:00 United States GP at Austin