Here's the final starting grid for the US GP sprint race in Austin

In the dying moments of Sprint Qualifying, the reigning four-time world champion pulled another masterstroke.

When it mattered most, he pieced together a lap that no one could touch, snatching pole right from under McLaren’s nose and reinforcing his grip on the title fight. On a circuit where McLaren were widely expected to dominate, he once again turned the tables.

Lando Norris came agonisingly close — just 71 thousandths shy of top spot — while teammate Oscar Piastri will start from third, underlining the team’s strength despite missing out on pole. Nico Hulkenberg stunned the paddock with a sensational fourth, continuing his remarkable form this season.

George Russell, still riding the momentum from his Singapore win, will launch from fifth, with Fernando Alonso keeping him company on the third row. Carlos Sainz secured seventh in the Williams, ahead of Charles Leclerc, whose eighth place sums up Ferrari’s latest struggles.

Alex Albon claimed ninth, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top ten — a result that leaves Ferrari searching for answers once more heading into the Sprint.

Here's the final grid below.

After a dry Friday featuring just one practice session and a scorching Sprint Qualifying, the weather could throw a curveball today, with less than an hour to go before the Sprint race.

Forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies and the possibility of a stray shower or even a thunderstorm. Despite that bit of uncertainty, temperatures are set to remain high — around 34°C — with light winds and humidity sitting at roughly 60%.