Kimi Antonelli clinches United States Grand Prix pole, edging Max Verstappen

During qualifying for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli recorded the fastest lap, earning pole position by 0.179 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, while Isack Hadjar completed the podium. Ferrari, which had dominated all three practice sessions, failed to deliver a pole, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ending up fourth and fifth. George Russell qualified sixth, meaning Antonelli must win the race and hope Russell finishes below ninth and Hamilton below fifth to clinch the championship.

Antonelli praised his team and the relaxed atmosphere among his crew. Ferrari president John Elkann watched from the garage amid ongoing speculation about team principal Fred Vasseur's future. The pole gives Antonelli his first opportunity to secure the title at his home race, with a 102-point lead and 150 points still available this season.