In Austin, the battle for pole position looked for a long time as though it would be between Max Verstappen and Ferrari. By the end of qualifying, however, the Scuderia had failed to get either car into the top three, while Kimi Antonelli emerged as a surprise contender.
Verstappen had to settle for second place, making his conclusion during the Dutch media session in the paddock clear: yes, the Red Bull driver could certainly live with that starting position, but there was still more potential to be unlocked.
