The Circuit of the Americas delivered another qualifying thriller, but the final grid for Saturday's sprint race tells a very different story from the on-track action. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who initially secured a stunning pole position, has been dramatically relegated to the back of the grid.
Post-Qualifying Drama Unfolds
In a cruel twist of fate, Hamilton's Mercedes failed post-session scrutineering. The plank under his W14 was found to be excessively worn, breaching F1's technical regulations. This infringement results in an automatic disqualification from the qualifying session, stripping him of his hard-earned pole and sending him to the very back of the pack for the sprint.
Leclerc's COTA Curse Continues
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who initially qualified second, also faces disappointment. His Ferrari team confirmed a complete power unit change, exceeding his allocation for the season. This results in a grid penalty that drops him from the front row to a starting position outside the top ten, continuing his run of bad luck at the American circuit.
Revised Sprint Starting Grid
With the penalties applied, the grid has been completely reshuffled:
- P1: Lando Norris (McLaren) - Inherits sprint pole
- P2: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- P3: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- P4: George Russell (Mercedes)
- P5: Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- P6: Alex Albon (Williams)
- P7: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- P8: Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
- P9: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- P10: Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
Further back, Lewis Hamilton will start from P19 and Charles Leclerc from P12, setting up a spectacular charge through the field for both drivers.
What to Expect in the Sprint
This grid shake-up completely transforms the strategic outlook for Saturday's sprint race. Norris and Verstappen will battle for the lead from the front, while all eyes will be on Hamilton and Leclerc as they attempt to slice through the midfield. With championship points on the line, the action at COTA promises to be unmissable.
