Red Bull Racing showed a notable improvement in their qualifying performance at the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, securing second and third on the grid despite challenging conditions. Max Verstappen, who qualified second behind surprise pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli, highlighted how the team no longer falls back significantly on difficult days, marking progress since earlier in the season.
During qualifying, Verstappen experienced a puzzling loss of grip on his first Q3 run, which contrasted with his strong pace in Q2 on scrubbed tyres. While wind gusts affected many drivers’ final attempts in Q3, Verstappen noted that the grip loss on his initial run could not be fully explained by the changing wind conditions. Ferrari also saw a drop in pace during Q3, attributed to increased cloud cover and falling track temperatures, which impacted tyre performance.
The qualifying session in Austin initially appeared to be a battle between Verstappen and Ferrari, but by the end, neither Ferrari car made it into the top three. Instead, Kimi Antonelli emerged as a surprise contender, taking pole position for Mercedes. Verstappen’s second place and his teammate’s third on the grid reflect a clear step forward for Red Bull compared to earlier in the season, when difficult weekends would see them fall back to seventh or eighth. This improvement has been linked to upgrades introduced around the Baku Grand Prix.
Verstappen acknowledged that some circuits suit Red Bull’s car better than others, citing recent stronger performances in Singapore and Malaysia. Despite neither he nor his teammate feeling fully comfortable with the car’s balance in qualifying, the team managed to secure front-row positions. Verstappen expressed confidence in the race pace demonstrated during Friday’s running and noted the advantage of starting second on the inside line at Circuit of the Americas, though he remained cautious about the unpredictability of the race start.
The Dutch driver emphasized that the length of the race offers opportunities through strategy and overtaking, suggesting that the first corner start is not the sole determinant of the race outcome. This reflects a pragmatic view of the race dynamics, focusing on the broader picture rather than immediate track position.
Overall, the qualifying session at Austin highlighted Red Bull Racing’s progress in maintaining consistent performance even under challenging conditions. The team’s ability to secure strong grid positions despite some unresolved issues with grip and car feeling points to a more stable platform compared to earlier in the season. Verstappen’s comments underline a cautious optimism about the race, grounded in the team’s recent developments and adaptability.