Assessing the Winners and Losers from Qualifying at the F1 United States Grand Prix
The qualifying session for the F1 United States Grand Prix concluded with Charles Leclerc securing pole position, accompanied by Lando Norris on the front row. As we review the session, we identify the winners and losers from Friday evening at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
Winners: Ferrari
Ferrari emerged as the clear winners of the session, with Charles Leclerc claiming pole position through his exceptional qualifying performance. Leclerc’s achievement was bolstered by Max Verstappen’s lap being deleted due to track limit violations. Ferrari’s strong showing was further augmented by Carlos Sainz Jr.’s fourth-place qualification, positioning them favorably for the Grand Prix.
Losers: Aston Martin
Aston Martin experienced a challenging day, plagued by several setbacks. Both drivers, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, encountered issues with overheating brakes during practice, hampering their preparations. To compound their woes, neither driver managed to advance beyond Q1, negatively impacting their position in the Constructors’ Championship battle against McLaren.
Winners: Alpine
Alpine had reason to celebrate as they showcased a strong performance during qualifying. Both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly progressed to Q3, earning them seventh and eighth-place qualifications, respectively. This promising outcome positions Alpine well for a potentially rewarding double-points finish in the Grand Prix.
Losers: Williams
Friday did not unfold as desired for Williams, particularly for young driver Logan Sargeant, who is fighting to secure his F1 career. Sargeant, the only driver without a guaranteed spot for 2024, failed to progress from Q1. Meanwhile, Alexander Albon, a seasoned driver, also fell victim to the same fate. With limited opportunities remaining, Sargeant’s disappointment may jeopardize his chances for a seat next year.
Winners: McLaren
McLaren extended their impressive streak with a noteworthy qualifying performance. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri advanced to Q3, with Norris securing a spot on the front row next to Leclerc. McLaren’s consistent strong form, coupled with Aston Martin’s struggles, suggests that they are well on their way to securing a solid fourth-place position in the Constructors’ Championship.
Loser: Nico Hülkenberg
Nico Hülkenberg encountered an unexpected setback, as his Haas teammate, Kevin Magnussen, outperformed him in qualifying. Despite Hülkenberg dominating Magnussen in previous races this season, he failed to progress to Q2. While frustrating, both drivers may find solace in the hope that the new VF-23 design will address the team’s tire degradation issues, potentially improving their performance on race day.
Winners: Track Limits
Track limits once again proved to be a formidable challenge, eliminating Max Verstappen’s top qualifying lap. This season has witnessed consistent enforcement of track limits, and the United States Grand Prix was no exception. Verstappen acknowledged the narrow margins and the consequences of pushing the limits in Formula 1. Although disappointed, he looks forward to the challenges and thrills the race weekend holds.
The qualifying session at the F1 United States Grand Prix delivered its fair share of winners and losers. Ferrari emerged as the clear victors due to Charles Leclerc’s pole position, while Aston Martin encountered multiple setbacks. McLaren’s strong form continued, while Williams grappled with disappointments. Alpine made significant progress, and Nico Hülkenberg faced an unexpected setback. Ultimately, with track limits once again asserting their authority, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable Grand Prix on Sunday.
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