Max Verstappen roared to sprint pole position at the United States Grand Prix, narrowly besting Lando Norris.
Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren was a further three-tenths of a second off his team-mate. Whatever the sporting "repercussions" Norris might be facing, it certainly did not affect him early in the Austin weekend.
The British driver went fastest in the one and only practice session at the Circuit of the Americas, heading up a surprisingly pacey Nico Hulkenberg in second place.
Continuing his fine form in sprint qualifying, the German will line up fourth for the sprint itself. Will the 37-year-old be able to capitalise on his lofty grid slot and bring home points?
Behind him is George Russell in the Mercedes, looking for an instant result to crown his newly-signed contract extension with the eight-time F1 constructors' champions.
Who will prevail and take the first victory of the weekend at COTA?
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