Sprint Pole qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in parc ferme - Source: Getty
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko claimed that the Austrian team was "back" after Max Verstappen took pole position at the Sprint qualifying session on Friday. The Dutch driver looked imperious throughout the day as he set the pace on the track with his rivals chasing him.
The reigning world champions have brought a massive upgrade package to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, after being outperformed by McLaren for the majority of the last ten races. The Milton-Keynes outfit has even lost its hold on the Constructor's Championships, with the British team taking over the helm and now leading them by 41 points.
Max Verstappen hasn't won a race since the Spanish GP in late June, and Imola was the last time he secured a pole position. He took an engine penalty at the Belgian GP, which demoted him outside the points.
