Russell on pole in Las Vegas, Verstappen ahead of Norris

LAS VEGAS : George Russell took pole position for Mercedes at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday as Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen qualified ahead of McLaren rival Lando Norris.

Verstappen, who could seal his fourth successive championship on Saturday, will line up fifth on the starting grid with Norris sixth. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz joined Russell on the front row with Alpine's Pierre Gasly an impressive third fastest.

(Writing by Alan Baldwin in London; Editing by Frances Kerry)