Nico Rosberg took pole position for Sunday’s US Grand Prix after teammate Lewis Hamilton endured brake problems in qualifying.

Hamilton had been quickest in all three practice sessions in Austin but was outdone by his Mercedes teammate Rosberg. The Briton complained of brake issues in the aftermath but was willing to concede Rosberg may have been difficult to stop regardless.

“I really struggled with my braking, the left-front brake was always cooler than the right-front brake and it kept catching. That’s where I was losing time but even if that wasn’t the case then Nico was perhaps too quick today,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton is seeking a fifth straight grand prix victory on Sunday as he attempts to build on his 17-point lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship.

His previous victory at the Austin circuit in 2012 also came when starting from second on the grid and the 2008 world champion insists there is plenty scope to get past his teammate in the race.

“This is a circuit you can fight in and battle and overtake so we’ll see. Tomorrow is a fresh day, there’s a lot to play for, but I’ll be looking for all the opportunities for how I can get by,” Hamilton added.

The Englishman will be hoping that Rosberg does not halt his winning run for a second time this season. Hamilton was on a five-timer heading into the Monaco Grand Prix in May but finished second, 9.2 seconds adrift of the German.

Hamilton is 1.97 to win the US Grand Prix with teammate Rosberg 2.05 to fend off his challenge from the front of the grid.