Source – Formula1.com
In the thrilling qualifying session on Friday night, Mercedes driver George Russell swept to pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, defeating Ferrari competitor Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly’s high-flying Alpine.
George Russell delivered a dazzling performance under the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip to claim pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, ending a streak of Ferrari and McLaren dominance that had stretched back months. After topping final practice and setting the pace in the early runs of Q3, Russell left nothing to chance on his final lap, stopping the clock at 1m 32.312s. It was a commanding drive that reaffirmed his reputation as one of Formula 1’s brightest stars and gave Mercedes a vital boost in the penultimate race of the season.
Russell’s flawless lap was enough to edge out Carlos Sainz, who was just a tenth of a second behind in his Ferrari. Sainz, despite his best efforts, fell short of stealing pole but showed strong form to ensure Ferrari remains a formidable contender on race day. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly delivered an exceptional performance for Alpine, claiming third on the grid. Building on Alpine’s double podium in Brazil, Gasly’s lap underscored the team’s recent resurgence and their growing momentum as the season nears its conclusion.
Charles Leclerc will start fourth, just missing out on a top-three spot but keeping Ferrari’s hopes alive for Sunday’s race. Behind him, the championship narrative took center stage with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris lining up fifth and sixth, respectively. The title rivals found themselves locked in another tight battle, with both drivers lamenting minor issues that left them unable to challenge for pole. Verstappen’s Red Bull seemed to lack its usual dominance, while Norris struggled with understeer in his McLaren, setting up an intriguing showdown when the lights go out.
Yuki Tsunoda produced a standout effort in his Red Bull to take seventh, showcasing his consistency and growth in what has been a defining season for the young driver. Oscar Piastri followed in eighth, continuing McLaren’s solid form, while Nico Hulkenberg’s ninth-place finish highlighted Haas’s ability to punch above their weight on occasion. Rounding out the top ten was Lewis Hamilton, whose early promise in Q3 unraveled due to costly mistakes on both of his flying laps. Hamilton’s disappointment was palpable, but his pace suggests he could still be a factor in the race.
The session was not without its drama. Franco Colapinto experienced another harrowing crash in Q2, his Williams scattering debris across the circuit. This marks a continuation of the Argentinian rookie’s turbulent run in recent races, leaving his team with a monumental task to repair the car in time for the race. Colapinto’s teammate Alex Albon also endured frustration, losing a lap time in Q1 due to track limits and ending up 18th. For Williams, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is shaping up to be an uphill battle.
Just missing out on Q3, Esteban Ocon put in a solid effort to claim 11th for Alpine, followed by Kevin Magnussen in the Haas. Zhou Guanyu offered a bright spot for Kick Sauber by breaking his Q1 elimination streak to qualify 13th, while teammate Valtteri Bottas struggled at the back, compounded by a five-place grid penalty for an engine change.
Sergio Perez’s qualifying woes continued in devastating fashion, as the Red Bull driver slumped to 16th, marking another early exit in what has been a nightmare stretch for the Mexican. Lacking grip and confidence from the outset, Perez now faces the daunting task of climbing through the field to salvage points for his team. Aston Martin also endured a miserable session, with Fernando Alonso dropping out in 17th and Lance Stroll finishing last. Stroll’s session was hampered by a power unit issue that limited him to a single timed lap, leaving the Canadian with another difficult race ahead.
The stage is now set for an electrifying Las Vegas Grand Prix, with George Russell leading the pack and a grid full of compelling narratives waiting to unfold. From Russell’s quest to convert pole into victory to Verstappen and Norris reigniting their title fight, the spectacle promises to deliver thrills under the neon lights of Sin City. With overtaking opportunities expected to be at a premium, strategy and tire management will play pivotal roles, adding another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be a memorable weekend in Formula 1.
