The final starting grid for the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix has been confirmed, with Kimi Antonelli taking pole position for Mercedes ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Ferrari will start from fourth with Charles Leclerc and fifth with Lewis Hamilton, hoping to recover from a disappointing Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas.
The lights will soon go out for the 18th round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. Tyre management is expected to play an important role at the demanding Austin circuit, where drivers must also contend with an uneven racing surface. The challenge is explored in our analysis of why the Circuit of the Americas is so bumpy.
2026 United States GP: Official final starting grid
The FIA’s final starting grid confirms Kimi Antonelli on pole, with Max Verstappen alongside him on the front row. Isack Hadjar and Charles Leclerc share the second row, while Lewis Hamilton lines up fifth, ahead of George Russell.
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – 1:34.035
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 1:34.214
- Isack Hadjar – Red Bull – 1:34.250
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – 1:34.267
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari – 1:34.311
- George Russell – Mercedes – 1:34.476
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren – 1:34.803
- Lando Norris – McLaren – 1:35.049
- Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls – 1:35.058
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine – 1:35.080
- Nico Hülkenberg – Audi – 1:35.158
- Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin – 1:35.818
- Oliver Bearman – Haas – 1:36.031
- Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls – 1:36.049
- Esteban Ocon – Haas – 1:36.531
- Carlos Sainz – Williams – 1:36.770
- Alexander Albon – Williams – 1:36.967
- Sergio Perez – Cadillac – 1:37.433
- Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac – 1:37.523
- Franco Colapinto – Alpine – 1:35.722
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi – 1:35.691
Starting from the pit lane: Lance Stroll – Aston Martin – 1:36.677.
United States GP grid penalties and pit-lane start
The final classification includes several penalties that have affected the starting order. Franco Colapinto received a 10-place grid penalty for using an additional power-unit element, while Gabriel Bortoleto received an 80-place grid penalty for exceeding the permitted allocation of power-unit components.
Arvid Lindblad also received a five-place grid penalty for using an additional gearbox component. Lance Stroll is required to start from the pit lane after modifications were made to his car under parc fermé conditions, alongside the use of additional power-unit elements.
Ferrari targets Austin recovery as tyre management takes centre stage
After a frustrating qualifying session, Ferrari will be looking to make progress from fourth and fifth on the grid. Charles Leclerc starts directly behind Isack Hadjar, while Lewis Hamilton shares the third row with George Russell.
The two Red Bull drivers will start first and third respectively among the front runners, with Max Verstappen alongside pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar immediately ahead of Charles Leclerc.
Tyre preservation is expected to be particularly important at the Circuit of the Americas. The circuit’s demanding layout and surface irregularities could complicate the task for drivers and teams as they attempt to manage their tyres throughout the Grand Prix. The available strategic options are explored further in Pirelli’s assessment of Austin tyre strategy and track conditions.
With the final starting grid now confirmed, attention turns to the race itself. Ferrari faces the challenge of recovering from its qualifying disappointment, while Kimi Antonelli will attempt to convert pole position into victory at the United States Grand Prix.
Leave a Reply