Source: Official Team Post via X
Team Reactions After 2026 US Grand Prix Qualifying
The teams reflect on a dramatic qualifying session at Circuit of The Americas, with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli capturing pole and Red Bull's Max Verstappen starting second. As grids are settled, a mix of delight and frustration pervades the paddock.
Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli surprised even his own team by securing pole position at COTA, much to the delight of Mercedes. Team Principal Toto Wolff admitted they were aiming for a spot between third and fifth, but Antonelli delivered on his first Q3 lap, benefiting from tricky wind conditions that hindered others. His teammate, George Russell, had a rougher time, settling for sixth after a couple of scrappy runs. Both drivers have a fresh set of softs saved for the race, which could play a critical role in their strategy.
Antonelli expressed his happiness with the pole, acknowledging the hard work put into the car's updates. "I hope we can fight for the win," he said, aware of the challenges posed by their quick competitors. Russell, on the other hand, focused on the race strategy, aiming to capitalize on possible incidents and strong Friday pace to move up the ranks.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will start second and third, respectively, after a closely contested qualifying. Verstappen, despite struggling with grip and balance in Q3, remains optimistic about race day. Hadjar, who had a rocky start to the weekend, found form in qualifying, pushing Verstappen all the way. Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised the team's solid performance and looks forward to a competitive race.
Ferrari
Ferrari's hopes for pole were dashed as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth and fifth. Despite a strong showing in practice, they couldn't match Antonelli's pace. Hamilton remains positive, thanking the team for their efforts and emphasizing strategy for a podium fight. Leclerc echoes this, highlighting the importance of a strong start and tire management.
McLaren
McLaren faced a challenging session with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualifying seventh and eighth. Norris lost his best Q3 time to track limits, while Piastri struggled with car handling. Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledges the tricky conditions but remains hopeful for a strategic race to improve their positions.
Racing Bulls
Racing Bulls drivers Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson made it to Q3, with Lindblad starting 14th due to a grid penalty. Lawson, who saved tires by not running in Q3, is optimistic about race strategy. Chief Technical Officer Tim Goss commended the team's performance, highlighting their aerodynamic updates.
Alpine
Alpine's Pierre Gasly narrowly missed Q3 but benefits from penalties to start 10th. Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto faces a tougher challenge from the back due to his penalty. Managing Director Steve Nielsen notes the team's mixed weekend but remains focused on capitalizing on their race pace.
Audi
Audi's Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto had a tight qualifying session, with Hulkenberg starting 11th after penalties. Bortoleto, who will start from the back, played a supportive role. Racing Director Allan McNish is confident in their race potential despite the challenges.
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso progresses to Q2 and will start 12th after penalties, while Lance Stroll struggled with car issues, starting 18th. Alonso is ready for a defensive race, and Stroll looks for opportunities to improve.
Haas
Haas had a disappointing session, with Oliver Bearman's track limits violation dropping him to 16th, and Esteban Ocon starting 17th. Team Principal Ayao Komatsu remains optimistic about race opportunities despite the tough starting positions.
Williams
Williams had a challenging qualifying with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon starting 19th and 20th. Team Principal James Vowles acknowledges the difficulties and focuses on maximizing learnings for future improvements.
Cadillac
Cadillac struggled at their home race, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas starting 21st and 22nd. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski remains hopeful for any race opportunities despite the challenges faced in qualifying.
Pirelli
Pirelli's Dario Marrafuschi highlights the strategic possibilities with tire compounds, suggesting a one-stop strategy as the most effective. However, flexibility remains crucial depending on race conditions and team strategies.