Verstappen: 'It's been a while' as woeful six-month run finally ends

Max Verstappen could afford a smile and a quip that "it's been a while' after landing his first pole position in any format in F1 for the first time in six months.

Verstappen will lead away the field in the sprint for the United States Grand Prix weekend after setting the fastest time around the Circuit of the Americas with a lap of 1:32.833s, beating Mercedes' George Russell by 0.012s.

Crucially trailing in the wake of the three-time F1 champion is title rival Lando Norris, who starts fourth in his upgraded McLaren after a difficult day for the British driver.

The last time Verstappen claimed pole was for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.

"We had a good day," said Verstappen, who has won the last three United States Grands Prix, and all three sprints this season.

"Of course, sprint quali is always very difficult. You do medium, medium and then the soft [in SQ1, SQ2, and then SQ3].

"You never really know how much you can push. But I'm happy with today. I think the whole day, the car was working quite well.

"And, of course, very happy to be first. It's been a while. So, yeah, very pleased."

Verstappen has long loved the Austin venue, although criticised its severe bumpiness after last year's race, leading to a resurfacing for most of it ahead of this weekend.

Assessing the circuit now, Verstappen said: "This track is amazing to drive. Now with the new Tarmac, and a little bit older Tarmac, the bumpy stuff, it's not easy.

"At the end of the day, it's the same for everyone, but to deal with it over one lap is not always the easiest."

Looking ahead to the rest of the weekend, Verstappen concluded: "We'll do the best we can tomorrow in the sprint, but we also know, of course, the most points are available on Sunday, so that's where we really want to do well."