Las Vegas GP: George Russell on pole ahead of Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly

George Russell will start Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix from pole position as Max Verstappen took another step towards securing a fourth world championship by outqualifying his only remaining title rival, Lando Norris.

Mercedes' Russell beat Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to the fastest time by 0.098 seconds, with Pierre Gasly taking a surprise third place on the grid for Alpine.

Gasly said afterwards: "It's unbelievable honestly we didn't think we would be able to achieve a top three in qualifying. It was an incredible lap especially around this track when you're flirting with the walls everywhere through the lap and there is a lot of adrenaline and excitement.

"I knew crossing the line it was a good lap but when they came on the radio telling me I was lining up in third tomorrow, it's just amazing and I'm really happy."

Verstappen qualified fifth, behind the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc in fourth, but will start one place ahead of Norris, who could only manage the sixth-fastest time.

Under-pressure Red Bull driver Sergio Perez was knocked out in the opening session of qualifying for the sixth time this season. He missed out on a place in Q2 by 0.068 seconds to Lawson, who is hotly tipped to replace Perez at Red Bull if the Mexican's poor form continues.

Fernando Alonso was 17th fastest at the end of Q1 after complaining of getting caught out by a late yellow flag in the first sector on his final attempt. Williams driver Alex Albon will start 18th ahead of Sauber's Valtteri Bottas in 19th.

Lance Stroll set the slowest time in qualifying, but only got one flying lap due to Aston Martin working on his car during the early part of the session to replace its energy recovery system after it failed in final practice.