Las Vegas GP provisional starting grid | Russell's stunning pole, Norris P6

George Russell will start in pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix after an impressive lap. Further down the grid, Max Verstappen could become Formula 1 world champion for the fourth time in a row on Saturday night in Las Vegas (Sunday morning in Europe). During qualifying for the race, the Dutchman set the fifth fastest time, ahead of Lando Norris in sixth place. The Red Bull driver will start ahead of the McLaren driver in what is Norris' last opportunity at the world title.

Carlos Sainz held pole position but was pipped at the last second by a rapid George Russell. The Spaniard will start the race from second place.

Pierre Gasly will start the race from third after an impressive performance. The Alpine driver has been performing well this weekend, still feeling the highs from his Brazilian Grand Prix podium. Charles Leclerc starts from fourth place, with Verstappen and Norris following from P5 and P6. Yuki Tsunoda also starts from the fourth row of the grid: It's P7 for him. Oscar Piastri starts from P8, Nico Hulkenberg from P9 and Lewis Hamilton completes the front five starting rows. The seven-time world champion was on for a front-row finish, but a few too many mistakes in the latter part of qualifying meant that he was unable to put a lap together.

Before the first free practice session, the first grid penalty was also handed out. Valtteri Bottas replaced his energy store, forcing him further back. The Finn finished 19th, so will start from 20th place.

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube