Lando Norris delivered a statement performance in treacherous wet conditions to secure pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, moving himself even closer to a maiden Formula One world championship. The McLaren driver mastered the slippery Nevada street circuit with a composed and confident lap that proved untouchable as the track slowly improved.
Norris’ main championship threat, teammate Oscar Piastri, could only manage fifth after a difficult session, giving Norris a valuable opportunity to extend his advantage heading into the final three rounds of the season. Max Verstappen slotted into second, while Carlos Sainz impressed in third for Williams ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell.
The wet qualifying session, the first ever held in such conditions in Las Vegas, created chaos from the start. Drivers struggled for visibility and grip on the low-traction surface, with several moments of aquaplaning and wide runs. Norris himself reported that keeping the car on track was a challenge during the early stages, but as the rain eased and a dry line began to appear, he steadily built speed.
Lewis Hamilton suffered another painful setback in what has been a trying first season at Ferrari. Unable to generate tyre temperature on the full wets, the seven-time champion ended the session in 20th after being caught out by a late yellow flag. He later admitted that visibility had been almost nonexistent and that the car felt impossible to control in the early laps. Charles Leclerc fared better, securing ninth, though the gap between the Ferrari teammates highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Hamilton’s campaign.
As the track improved, the final shootout in Q3 became a battle of timing and precision. Teams switched to intermediates, and the order changed repeatedly as drivers pushed for clear air. Verstappen briefly held provisional pole with his final attempt, but Norris responded immediately with a blistering lap of 1:47.934. Despite a wobble in the final sector, the McLaren driver had already done enough, and a subsequent yellow flag ensured no one could challenge him.
With a 24-point lead over Piastri and strong momentum after recent wins in Mexico and Brazil, Norris now has a clear path toward wrapping up the title. If he extends his advantage in Abu Dhabi, the championship could be decided before the season finale.
