🔗 Share this article

McLaren's Lando Norris executed a masterful lap in treacherous wet conditions on the Nevada street circuit, claiming pole position for the upcoming Grand Prix and taking a significant step closer to his first F1 title.

Championship Race Intensifies as Norris Increases Advantage

The title race leader beat Max Verstappen, who secured second place, while his closest competitor—teammate Piastri—ended up in fifth, giving the McLaren driver a golden chance to widen his lead in the championship.

Carlos Sainz claimed third, with Mercedes' George Russell ending up in fourth place.

Hamilton Endures Dismal Session in Vegas

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton had a disappointing qualifying, ending up last after struggling to make the tyres to work in the rainy conditions during Q1 and getting unlucky with a last-minute yellow flag.

His car has faced issues activating tyres in wet weather throughout the year, but Charles Leclerc fared better, ending up in ninth place and recording a time three seconds quicker than Hamilton in the first qualifying segment.

"It was as bad as it gets," Hamilton stated. "Visibility was zero. I think I hit the wall at one point. I was struggling to spot the turns."

Following showing strong pace in the final practice session, Hamilton was very let down once more in what has been a trying first season with the Italian team.

"Today was amazing," Hamilton commented. "I missed my final lap opportunity. I thought we had the pace and then I ended up last. This year is definitely the hardest year."

Norris Executes When It Counted

For Norris, as he attempts to claim his first Formula One championship, he did exactly what was required by not only securing pole but also importantly out-qualifying Piastri on a track where the team had anticipated to struggle.

He currently leads the Piastri by 24 points and Max Verstappen by forty-nine points. Currently, ending up ahead of his teammate in the last three races would be enough to claim the title.

Indeed, if he can increase his lead to twenty-six points by the conclusion of the upcoming race in the UAE, it would be enough to win the title at that venue.

Strong Form Persists for McLaren

He remains very much on a winning streak, discovering his groove with the vehicle at a vital juncture in the championship, just as his teammate has struggled.

Norris was 34 points behind his fellow driver after the Dutch GP in August, but from that point he has produced consistently strong finishes, including pole position and wins in the last two races in Mexico City and Brazil—enough to shift the title fight in his favour.

The Team Defies Predictions in Vegas

The driver and his team had downplayed their chances for the event in Nevada, on a circuit that does not suit their vehicle due to low grip and cool temperatures, and the team had not finished above sixth in the last two events here.

Yet, they demonstrated excellent performance in qualifying in the wet this time.

Difficult Weather Test Drivers

Qualifying began in steady rain, which turned what is already a very low-grip surface in cold temperatures an absolute handful, marking the first time qualifying has been held in the wet in Las Vegas and necessitating the use of full-wet rubber.

Indeed, on his initial laps, the driver voiced his worry as he ran off track. "Aqua-planing," he said. "It's impossible to stay on course."

Qualifying Unfolds with Drama

Yet, as the precipitation subsided, the circuit started drying swiftly on the ideal path and the laptimes dropped.

Nevertheless, the margins were narrow, as Alex Albon discovered when he was caught by surprise on his last lap in the first segment, striking the wall and sustaining damage that finished his session in 16th.

Precipitation ceased, but the surface was still difficult to manage for the rest of the qualifying, and with wet rubber still being used, the competitors stayed out and continued setting times as the drying path got better and the laptimes dropped.

Last laps were crucial, with the Australian only just making it through to Q2 in 10th place.

Exciting Conclusion to Qualifying

For Q3, the squads changed to intermediate tyres, once more continuing to stay out and pounding out laps, making strategy essential for a last attempt showdown.

The lead switched repeatedly as the clock counted down, with Norris setting a sighter with his nose in front before the final hot laps.

Max Verstappen then grabbed the top spot as he completed his last run, but following him, Norris was on a charge and, despite a big wobble through corners the final sector, had already done enough for a mighty pole with a lap of 1min 47.934secs.

He was untouchable with a caution in his aftermath as Charles Leclerc ran off and Oscar Piastri also had to take evasive action to steer clear of Isack Hadjar.