Lewis Hamilton delighted with Mercedes’ ‘step closer to the front’ after out-qualifying Max Verstappen to start third on the grid for the US Grand Prix

• Mercedes introduced upgrades for race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas 
• Leclerc took pole on his 100th grand prix weekend for Ferrari ahead of Norris
• Max Verstappen had a late pole worthy lap deleted for exceeding track limits

Lewis Hamilton was delighted with Mercedes’ step forward after out-qualifying Max Verstappen to start Sunday’s US Grand Prix third on the grid. 

The seven-time world champion is approaching two years without a race win thanks to the surprising drop-off of the German manufacturer and the dominance of rivals Red Bull. 

Hamilton was beaten at the Circuit of the Americas by quality performances from Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. 

Nevertheless, the veteran was pleased with the display and heaped praise on his team for the successful implementation of upgrades which came in the shape of a newly-designed floor for this weekend. 

‘I have to say a big thank you to everyone back at the factory,’ he said. ‘They have been pushing so hard to improve our car and we have taken a step closer to the front this weekend. 

Lewis Hamilton secured an impressive third place in US Grand Prix qualifying in Austin, Texas

Ahead of Hamilton is Leclerc (C) and Lando Norris (L) who joins him on the front row of the grid

Leclerc took pole after Max Verstappen had his fastest time deleted for track limit violations

‘I know everyone is working flat out for that and I appreciate all the efforts. Unfortunately today, we weren’t quite at the very front, but we will give it another shot tomorrow.’

Hamilton’s impressive lap saw him finish three places higher than newly-crowned three-time world champion Verstappen. The Dutchman thought he had secured another pole position as he bids to claim his 50th race win. 

But his lap time was deleted for exceeding track limits. Hamilton will be all too aware of the threat he – and possibly even team-mate Sergio Perez – can still cause during Sunday’s race. 

The British driver will first try to go a couple of spots better in Saturday’s sprint shootout and race. 

‘I love being in the United States. It’s such a beautiful country and this circuit is just incredible,’ he added.

‘It is definitely one of my favourites. It has a legendary layout, it’s bumpy, and all the drivers find it very tricky. Each section is an incredible challenge. I hope tomorrow we can fight for P1 again. I’ll be giving it my best shot and with this crowd, I think anything is possible.’

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