The Dutch rider, who defends the British rival with six points ahead of the World Cup lead, clocked a time 209 thousandths faster on the Austin track. His teammate Sergio Pérez finished third.

24-year-old Verstappen won the 12th pole position of his career and interrupted Mercedes’ dominance in qualifying on the track, which had lasted since 2014. At the same time, he confirmed the increase in performance of his car, as he had lost it in previous editions. training sessions. In addition, before the start of qualifying, the mechanics, like Pérez, changed his rear wing.

Verstappen set the fastest time of 1: 32.910 on his final attempt, losing the lead for Hamilton. Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas finished fourth. However, following a penalty for replacing part of the engine, he lost five places on the grid and started ninth. At his expense, Ferrari’s fifth Charles Leclerc will start the qualifying race from the second row.

Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin, George Russell of Williams and Fernando Alonso of Alpine will start from the back of the starting peloton. Despite the fact that all three have advanced from the introductory part of the qualification, they will be penalized for the replacement of the engine. Thanks to this, Lance Stroll, who originally did not go through the introductory part, will move up to 13th place.

The United States Grand Prix kicks off today at 9:00 p.m. CEST.

Qualification for the United States Grand Prix, Formula 1 World Championship race in Austin:

1. Verstappen (Niz./Red Bull) 1:32 910, 2. Hamilton (Brit./Mercedes) -0.209, 3. Pérez (Mex./Red Bull) -0.224, 4. Bottas (Fin./Mercedes) – 0.565, 5. Leclerc (Mon./Ferrari) -0.696, 6. Sainz (Šp. / Ferrari) -0.882, 7. Ricciardo (Austr./McLaren) -0.898, 8. Norris (Brit./McLaren) -0.977, 9 Gasly (Fr./Alpha Tauri) -1 208, 10. Cunoda (Japan / Alpha Tauri) -2 008.

Note Bottas will lose five grid places due to a penalty.