VERSTAPPEN BEATS MCLARENS TO TAKE SPRINT POLE AT UNITED STATES GP

BERLIN, Oct 18 (Bernama-dpa) -- Defending champion Max Verstappen beat the McLarens to take pole position for the sprint race at the Formula One United States Grand Prix, reported German news agency dpa.

In Friday's qualifying, the Red Bull driver was the last driver to set a flying lap, but clocked the fastest time of 1 minute 32.143 seconds, beating Lando Norris by mere 0.071 seconds.

Championship leader Oscar Piastri was third in the other McLaren, 0.380s behind Verstappen.

Nico Hülkenberg of Kick Sauber, who was second in the sole practice session earlier, kept his strong and surprising form to claim fourth.

Singapore GP winner George Russell was fifth in the Mercedes, while Ferrari had Lewis Hamilton in eighth and Charles Leclerc in 10th.

Piastri missed the podium at the Singapore GP two weeks ago, allowing Norris to close the gap to the top of the standings to 22 points.

But Verstappen beat the two McLarens in Singapore to make it clear that he has not given up on a fifth consecutive trophy just yet as he sits 63 points from the top.

Austin is hosting a sprint weekend, with crucial extra points on offer in the drivers' championship. The sprint race is on Saturday and the main event on Sunday.

--BERNAMA-dpa