Max Verstappen - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen reveals what rendered him powerless at U.S GP quali

01:20, 19 Oct

Updated: 01:58, 19 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Max Verstappen stormed to pole position for the United States Grand Prix and revealed why he missed the chance to set a second lap in Q3.

"There were some people in front that were just leaving 10 seconds easily."

- Max Verstappen

Verstappen has been on a great run of form in recent races, having won two of the last three Grands Prix. The Dutchman also won the Sprint at the Circuit of the Americas and explained why he didn't get a second lap in Q3.

He said in the post-qualifying press conference: "There were some people in front that were just leaving 10 seconds easily. So, then you just run out of time.

"Then I had two cars in front of me, they were racing as well. I think they set purple sectors on the outlap. That's not ideal, so we just ran out of time."

Max Verstappen celebrating sprint pole in Austin - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen missed out on the chance to set a second timed lap in the final part of qualifying but he still managed to take pole position.

The four-time world champion set a 1:32.5 with his one and only lap in Q3, three tenths quicker than his nearest rival Lando Norris.

Verstappen may still have a chance to win the championship

McLaren have had the quickest car for the majority of the season, but Verstappen is starting to close the gap.

The reigning world champion is now 55 points behind the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, with six rounds to go.

Verstappen has outscored both McLarens at all three of the most recent events and he gained another eight points in the Sprint at Austin.

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