Max Verstappen pinpoints mistake that might’ve cost him pole position at US GP

Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen identified the mistake that saw him miss out on the pole position at the 2024 US GP.

Max Verstappen pinpoints mistake that might’ve cost him pole position at US GP

Max Verstappen (via Formularapida.net)

Max Verstappen came close to clinching pole position at the 2024 US Grand Prix. The three-time world champion showed signs of bouncing back after a dip in performance since the summer break. However, just as he was on the verge of taking pole, an unfortunate incident cost him the top spot.

The reigning world champion looked strong going into qualifying after winning the F1 sprint, leading both Q1 and Q2. However, during his first Q3 lap, Max Verstappen made a small mistake that cost him pole position to his title contender, Lando Norris.

YouTube video

Verstappen misjudged his turn, entering it a bit late while trying to carry more speed, which forced him wide. As a result, he had to downshift again to regain control, losing precious time. This error at Turn 19 left him just 0.031 seconds behind Norris’s lap time. So I lost quite a bit of lap time there, that would have already been enough for pole.

FS Video

I was a good amount up, but already my first lap in Q3 I messed up Turn 19, so I don’t know what happened there. But then, of course, when you’re late, you end up really wide so I had to downshift one more time.

Max Verstappen told RacingNews365

Max Verstappen not only lost time to Norris due to his own mistake, but luck wasn’t on his side either. George Russell crashed at Turn 19 while pushing hard for a better position, triggering yellow flags. This disrupted Verstappen’s final lap, preventing him from challenging Norris for pole.

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Max Verstappen expresses satisfaction with fight for pole at US GP

Max Verstappen expressed happiness despite not securing the pole position at the US GP. He recognized that their performance in Austin showed significant improvement, thanks to the team’s efforts to analyze and resolve issues with his car.

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The Dutchman noted that errors and incidents, like Russell’s crash, often happen in qualifying due to pressure. Overall, Verstappen maintained a positive outlook on the weekend, appreciating that they were back in contention for pole position again.

That happens, qualifying, it’s not always in your control. I think, in general, though, for us, this whole weekend so far has been a lot more positive. We could at least fight for pole and that has been a while.

Max Verstappen explained
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With the RB20’s speed matching McLaren’s this weekend, Verstappen has a great chance to overtake Norris and win his eighth race this season. This would allow him to extend his lead in the drivers’ standings, where Norris is chasing him with just six races left this year.