(photo credits - Autosport)
Going into Sprint Qualifying in Texas, it was always going to be a bit of a struggle for the drivers with only one practice session to prepare. But, coming into qualifying it seemed as if it was Ferrari’s pole to lose. Starting in SQ1 we saw Charles Leclerc top the tables as he improved his final lap, but shockingly we saw Oscar Piastri’s time get deleted after exceeding track limits in the penultimate corner, which seems to be due to issues with the cars balance. Also, a scary moment at the end, Alex Albon had a spin in the penultimate corner on his last. Seeing Albon get knocked out of SQ1 in his 100th Grand Prix.
SQ2 followed with more shocking exits, including Serigo Perez only being able to place his Red Bull in p11. Disappoint keeps following the Aston Martins with both drivers going out in SQ2, only placing the car in p14 and p15. Throughout all the sprint weekends this year Aston Martin has yet to score any point; it seems this weekend may be a continuation until their next opportunity in Brazil. Finally, Ferrari was able to keep up their good pace with Sainz topping the session.
Finally, in SQ3, Franco Colapinto showed pace in the Williams once again by managing to get the car into the final session during his first sprint weekend (finished p10). Most of the action was kept until the last minute with drivers waiting to do their final hot lap. As the time ticked down, we saw Max Verstappen top the polls placing his Red Bull in p1 for the first time since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Followed by George Russell who put in a beautiful lap early in the session. Disappointment for both the Ferraris and the McLaren of Lando Norris, with Leclerc placing his car in p3, Norris in p4, and lastly Sainz in p5.
Here is the final order,
Ver,
Rus,
Lec,
Nor,
Sai,
Hul,
Ham,
Mag,
Tsu,
Col,
Per,
Gas,
Str,
Alo,
Law,
Pia,
Oco,
Alb,
Bot,
and Zho
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