Max Verstappen celebrating sprint pole - Photo: Race Pictures

Why Tsunoda was the real deal behind Verstappen's sprint pole in Austin

17:33, 18 Oct

byTobia Elia

Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Waché revealed that Max Verstappen used his teammate’s setup to secure Sprint pole in Austin.

“We tested two types of set-up across the two cars, and we realised that Yuki’s set-up was a little bit better”

- Pierre Waché

Commenting on the Dutchman’s pole and Red Bull’s weekend so far, the Frenchman said: “During any qualifying session we are trying to maximise the performance of the car by trying to go as low as possible on set-up.”

According to Red Bull, the setup used by Tsunoda proved better suited to the characteristics of the Texan circuit, which combines high-speed sweepers in the first sector with long straights and slower sections in the second and third.

“During FP1 we tested two types of set-up across the two cars, and we realised that Yuki’s set-up was a little bit better.”

Max Verstappen - Photo: Race Pictures

"It achieved performance in the car without losing out in the low speed. Then it was a very good performance extraction from Max today. He really put it all together to get pole.”

Verstappen storms to pole in 'very good' Red Bull day

Sprint Qualifying on Friday brought another twist to the weekend’s story. While many expected McLaren to dominate, it was Max Verstappen who once again rose to the occasion, pulling out a near-perfect lap to snatch pole position and line up first for the Sprint.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri followed in second and third, unable to fully convert McLaren’s strong pace into pole but still close enough to challenge for victory later in the day. Their result may not have mirrored the car’s outright potential, yet it keeps the team firmly in the fight for a double podium in the Sprint.

After securing pole, Verstappen shared his thoughts on how the session unfolded and what it means heading into the sprint race.

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