US Grand Prix: Max Verstappen takes first in Austin, Lando Norris takes second and Oscar Piastri takes sixth

Piastri, who started third in the sprint race, struggled throughout qualifying and never looked quick.

“It was just a tough session, I didn’t really feel very comfortable out there and the lap times show that,” he said. “But there is a long race tomorrow and a lot can happen, so try to make up some ground.

“(The car was) a little bit unpredictable. It was very close for the positions in front of me. There are some things to try and look at.”

Russell gained one position on the grid for the race, finishing second, with Hamilton only 0.105 seconds behind Leclerc to put Ferrari in fifth.

“We’ve seen some improvement compared to yesterday. The car wasn’t feeling well throughout qualifying. I had a lot of understeer from the start, so I’ve been adding a wing and adding it little by little,” the seven-time world champion said.

He added, “In the end, things improved somewhat, but it is almost too late to gain that confidence. To finish third and fifth is a real step forward.”

Behind Piastri, Kimi Antonelli put the second Mercedes in seventh, while Oliver Biermann claimed a best position of eighth for Haas, ahead of Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin.

Isaac Hager will start from the back row after he was involved in a severe accident at the start of qualifying, losing control of the Racing Bulls car in turn six.