What happened: Max Verstappen secured second on the starting grid and teammate Isack Hadjar claimed third during United States Grand Prix qualifying at Circuit of the Americas. Kimi Antonelli captured pole position, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth.

Why it matters: Starting from second and third gives Red Bull a two-car strategic advantage right behind Antonelli heading into the opening corner in Austin. With McLaren lining up in seventh and eighth, placing both cars inside the top three positions the team to control early pit and tire strategy.

What to watch: Verstappen and Hadjar will pursue pole-sitter Antonelli off the line in the MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.