Max Verstappen Takes Commanding Pole for 2025 United States Grand Prix at COTA

Austin, Texas – October 19, 2025: Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen returned to dominant form at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), claiming his seventh pole position of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The reigning World Champion set a blistering lap time of 1:32.510, finishing more than three tenths clear of Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) in a thrilling qualifying session for the United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen Flawless Despite Late Drama

Qualifying began in dramatic fashion as Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) brought out the red flags within three minutes of Q1 after spinning into the barriers at Turn 6. Once the session resumed, Verstappen quickly asserted himself, posting an early benchmark lap of 1:33.590 before going faster still to top the opening segment.

In the decisive Q3 shootout, Norris briefly held provisional pole with a 1:32.904, but Verstappen responded immediately, producing a near-perfect lap to go 0.391 seconds quicker. Although a “messy” out lap prevented him from setting another flyer before the chequered flag, his earlier effort was untouchable — enough to secure his 47th career pole position.

Norris improved on his final run but could only narrow the gap to 0.291s, while Leclerc’s Ferrari slotted into third, just 0.006s off the McLaren.

Tight Battle Behind the Front Row

Behind the top three, George Russell (Mercedes) took fourth ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), both within half a second of Verstappen. Championship leader Oscar Piastri (McLaren) had a quieter session, settling for sixth on the grid after struggling to extract the same pace he showed earlier in the weekend.

Rising star Kimi Antonelli impressed once again for Mercedes with P7, just ahead of Oliver Bearman (Haas), Carlos Sainz (Williams), and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), who rounded out the top ten.

Early Exits and Drama in Q1 and Q2

The session was not without its surprises. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) narrowly missed out on Q3 in 11th, ahead of Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing). Both Alpine drivers, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, struggled for pace, exiting in Q2.

In Q1, Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll, and Alexander Albon joined Hadjar on the sidelines after failing to progress.

2025 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – Qualifying Results

Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:32.510
Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) – +0.291
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.297
George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.316
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.402
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.574
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +0.604
Oliver Bearman (Haas) – +0.629
Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +0.640
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +0.650

Verstappen Eyes Another Texas Triumph

With Verstappen on pole and Norris alongside, the stage is set for a fierce battle under the Austin sun. Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton will aim to challenge on strategy, while Piastri looks to defend his championship lead from the third row.

If Verstappen converts pole to victory, it would mark another milestone in his quest to close the gap in the 2025 standings — and extend Red Bull’s dominance on American soil.

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