A exciting qualifying session at the Circuit of the Americas resulted in Charles Leclerc winning the pole position for the 2023 US Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton finished third in his Mercedes, only 0.130 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, who was driving the Ferrari.

It is Leclerc’s 21st Formula One pole position and his first since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April. Ferrari also wins the race’s pole for the first time since the 2018 US Grand Prix.

• Q1

The five slowest cars in the first qualifying session were all eliminated: Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and Daniel Ricciardo.

Leclerc had the quickest lap time of Q1 at 1:34.829. Norris, Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and Pierre Gasly came behind him in the order.

• Q2

The five next slowest vehicles were eliminated during the second qualifying session: Mick Schumacher, Yuki Tsunoda, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel.

Leclerc once more recorded the quickest lap time in Q2 with a timing of 1:34.723. Norris, Hamilton, Sainz, and George Russell came after him.

• Q3

The top 10 cars competed for pole position in the third and final qualifying session. On his first run, Leclerc recorded the quickest lap time of 1:34.723. Norris was second, behind by only 0.130 seconds.

On his final run, Max Verstappen recorded the quickest lap time, but it was later removed for going above track limitations. Leclerc was awarded the lead once more as a result.

The following were the final qualifying outcomes:

• Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, 1:34.723

• 1.34.853 Lando Norris (McLaren)

• Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished in 1:34.862.

• (Ferrari) Carlos Sainz Jr. 1:34.945

• 1.35.079 George Russell (Mercedes)

• 1.35.081 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

• 1.35.089 Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

• Alpine Esteban Ocon – 1:35.154

• Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez clocks a 1:35.173.

• 1.35.467 Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Analysis

For Ferrari, which is still vying for second place in the constructors’ title, Leclerc’s pole position is a huge help. It also suggests that the squad is improving and that they could again put up a fight for victories the following year.

Another amazing performance for the McLaren driver is Norris’ second-place finish. He has regularly been among the grid’s top performers this season, and he is currently only 14 points behind Leclerc in the drivers’ standings.

With speed issues in previous races, Mercedes may be pleased with Hamilton’s third-place finish. However, if they want to compete with Leclerc and Norris for the win on Sunday, they will need to find more speed.

The sixth-place finish of Verstappen is a letdown for the world champion. All weekend long, he had been the quickest driver, but his Q3 lap time was disqualified for breaching track limitations. His competitors will now have a chance to catch up on Sunday.

Conclusion

Leclerc’s pole position gives Ferrari a big advantage and promises a thrilling race on Sunday. Hamilton will be attempting to reduce the gap on both drivers in the drivers’ championship while Norris will be hoping to push Leclerc for the win. Verstappen will also be attempting to overcome his qualifying failure and contend for the victory.

It will be intriguing to watch who prevails in the US Grand Prix of 2023, which is expected to be an exciting competition.

What does this signify for the Formula One championship in 2023?

Leclerc’s pole position significantly increases his chances of taking home the 2023 Formula One championship. The gap between him and Verstappen in the drivers’ championship is currently just 11 points, and he will be