Lando Norris produced an exhilarating lap to clinch the top spot for the 2024 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, outpacing Max Verstappen in a gripping qualifying session in Austin. Norris’ stunning lap of 1:34.277 put him 0.031 seconds ahead of Verstappen, who was on a flying lap when George Russell crashed, bringing the session to an early end. Russell went off in the final sector and hit the barriers, prompting double yellow flags that prevented Verstappen and others from setting faster times.

McLaren’s dramatic turnaround from the sprint race was evident, as Norris delivered a blistering performance in Q3. Oscar Piastri also supported McLaren’s strong showing by qualifying fifth. Ferrari had a solid session, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc securing P3 and P4, respectively, underscoring their competitiveness.

It was a disastrous day for Mercedes. Russell’s crash ended his chance of improving on his sixth-place time, while Lewis Hamilton was shockingly eliminated in Q1 after a mistake at Turn 12 left him starting 19th, marking a tough race ahead for the Silver Arrows.

Sergio Perez faced more challenges. Despite initially setting a pace faster than Verstappen, he ended up 10th after his fastest lap was disqualified for a track limits violation. Yuki Tsunoda and his AlphaTauri teammate Liam Lawson failed to get past Q2, with Lawson further hampered by a grid penalty.

With Norris starting from pole and Verstappen right behind him, the United States Grand Prix promises an intense battle between McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari. There will also be a fierce midfield fight for points, with Russell, Piastri, and Fernando Alonso expected to contend for top-five finishes.

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