Hello and welcome to coverage of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
The drivers and constructors championships may have been wrapped up by Max Verstappen and Red Bull but for the rest of the grid there is still plenty to play for in the final five races.
And tonight presents an opportunity for the likes of Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who occupy the top three positions on the starting grid. Verstappen begins the race from sixth after his lap time was deleted for exceeding track limits.
“It wasn’t easy for everybody so I am really happy to start on pole for Sunday,” said Leclerc. “It is a surprise for us because we didn’t expect to be fighting for pole.
“Going into Turn 1 it is tricky here, but it is always better to start at the front than the back.”
Hamilton, who has only finished off the podium once in Austin, said: “I love being in the States. The circuit is incredible and is one of my favourites, right up there with Silverstone. it is a legendary layout and incredibly challenging.
“We have taken a step closer to the front which I know everyone is working so hard for. They are still a little bit ahead but we will give it another shot tomorrow. With this crowd, anything is possible.”
Verstappen, who wrapped up his third world title in Qatar a fortnight ago, is bidding to join Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel by reaching 50 victories.
Sergio Perez, second in the championship but only 30 points clear of Hamilton and five rounds remaining, will be feeling the pressure with Red Bull determined to end the year one-two in the standings.
Australian Daniel Ricciardo started his comeback from injury with 15th place on the grid for AlphaTauri, with team mate Yuki Tsunoda 11th.