Lando Norris takes his third straight F1 pole in treacherous wet conditions in Las Vegas, extending his championship lead over Oscar Piastri
MCLAREN’S LANDO NORRIS secured his third consecutive Formula One pole position in challenging wet conditions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The championship leader clocked 1:47.934 around the slippery Sin City street circuit to maintain his title charge.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen qualified second for Red Bull, 0.323 seconds behind Norris.
Williams driver Carlos Sainz completed the top three, while Norris’s McLaren teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri will start fifth.
“Boy that was stressful, stressful as hell,” Norris said after the session.
The British driver described the treacherous conditions where even minor curb contact could send cars sliding toward barriers.
Norris had been unexpectedly surprised by the rain after taking a nap before qualifying.
Piastri acknowledged operational issues hampered his qualifying performance as his championship challenge continues to fade.
Verstappen compared the driving experience to “driving on ice” despite normally enjoying wet conditions.
Norris now aims to convert his pole position into another victory to extend his 24-point championship lead.
Piastri has failed to secure a podium finish in the past five races after leading the standings in August.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will start at the back of the grid after qualifying last in his Ferrari.
“It’s a shame because the guys have done such a great job and the car was feeling awesome in practice,” a disappointed Hamilton said. – AFP
