Max Verstappen Pulls Off Incredible Spin Save to Win Sprint Pole in Austin

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen has already clinched his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship following his win at the Qatar Grand Prix on Oct. 8. That doesn’t mean he’s through showing off his skills for the 2023 season. Case in point: Saturday’s Sprint Shootout in Austin ahead of Sunday’s United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen edged out Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to take pole position following a creative and thrilling save on a spinout. Coming into the ninth turn, Verstappen lost control momentarily and did a 360-degree spin before quickly regaining control of his car as he slid through the grass and dirt.

He ended up logging a time of 1:34.538. Leclerc and Hamilton finished second and third, respectively, following by Lando Norris in fourth and Oscar Piastiri in fifth.

Saturday’s stylistic flourish was just another highlight in what’s been a dominant season for the 26-year-old. Verstappen has won 14 out of 17 races on the season, with two second-place finishes. He won 15 out of 22 events last year, and 10 the year before.