McLaren Dominates Practice Ahead of Austin Sprint Qualifying

McLaren is emerging as a strong contender for pole position in the upcoming United States Grand Prix Sprint qualifying in Austin, following a dominant performance in the sole practice session. Lando Norris set the fastest lap, positioning the team as favorites for the shorter race.

Why it matters:

McLaren's strong showing in practice suggests a potential shift in momentum, challenging established frontrunners and adding an exciting dynamic to the Sprint race. A pole position for either Norris or Piastri would solidify McLaren's impressive recent form and could be a significant step towards securing valuable championship points.

The details:

• Norris's Pace: Lando Norris clocked the fastest time in the single practice session, showcasing McLaren's strong package on the Circuit of the Americas. His performance positions him as the top favorite for Sprint pole.
• Hulkenberg's Surprise: Nico Hulkenberg delivered a remarkable performance, placing his Haas in an unexpected second position, hinting at potential dark horse status for the Sprint.
• Piastri's Consistency: Oscar Piastri secured third place, ensuring both McLarens were at the sharp end of the grid and underlining the team's overall strong performance.
• Previous Sprint Poles: In the 2025 season, Sprint poles have been diverse:
  • Lewis Hamilton in China
  • Kimi Antonelli in Miami
  • Oscar Piastri in Belgium This track record suggests that while McLaren is strong, the field is competitive.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Sprint qualifying session to see if McLaren can translate their practice pace into pole position. The result will set the grid for the United States Grand Prix Sprint race, which often delivers unpredictable action and crucial championship points. The diverse set of previous Sprint pole-sitters this season indicates that an upset is always possible, adding to the anticipation for Austin's qualifying showdown.