United States GP 2026: Antonelli takes Austin pole
Andrea Kimi Antonelli took United States Grand Prix pole in Austin ahead of Max Verstappen, with Isack Hadjar third and George Russell sixth.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin. BBC Sport, Autosport and Motorsport.com all reported that the Mercedes driver beat Max Verstappen in qualifying, with Autosport and Motorsport.com listing a 1m34.035s pole lap and Isack Hadjar in third.
BBC Sport reported that Antonelli can clinch his first drivers' championship this weekend. He arrived at Austin leading the 2026 standings on 340 points, while Verstappen was fourth on 221. Motorsport.com also reported that George Russell qualified sixth for Mercedes.
Ferrari had shown pace before qualifying. BBC Sport reported that Charles Leclerc led Friday practice from Antonelli, while Autosport and Motorsport.com also reported Leclerc fastest in both Friday sessions they covered. Leclerc started the weekend fifth in the standings on 215 points.
- Verstappen baffled after missing out on Austin pole - Formula1.com
- Antonelli takes US pole on weekend he can win title - BBC Sport
- Red Bull no longer falls away on difficult days: What Austin qualifying reveals about its progress - Autosport
- “It does feels different” Antonelli admits ahead of first chance to seal title | Formula 1 - RaceFans
- United States GP Qualifying: Kimi Antonelli beats Max ... - skysports.com
- Antonelli takes US pole on weekend he can win title - bbc.com