Max Verstappen achieved a fantastic pole position in a dramatic qualifying session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which saw Lando Norris, the championship leader, crash out.
Verstappen was just 0.010 seconds faster than Oscar Piastri, delivering an impressive lap similar to his performance in Suzuka two weeks prior, where he turned a surprising pole into a race win.
Norris will start from 10th place. He spun and collided with the wall in the first sector during Q3`s initial runs. He expressed his frustration, calling himself an `idiot` over the radio. Norris risks losing his championship lead to Piastri or Verstappen in Sunday`s race.
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Lando Norris suffered a big crash in his McLaren during Q3 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Norris is currently just three points ahead of Piastri and eight points ahead of Verstappen in the championship standings. Verstappen`s pole demonstrates his consistent competitiveness, even when his car is considered potentially slower than the McLaren.
George Russell initially held pole position but ultimately qualified third, followed by Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes` Kimi Antonelli.
Red Bull`s Max Verstappen did just enough to beat McLaren driver Oscar Piastri to pole around Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Carlos Sainz achieved sixth place for Williams, and Lewis Hamilton qualified seventh after narrowly avoiding elimination twice.
Red Bull`s Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine`s Pierre Gasly will start in eighth and ninth, respectively, positioning them as the first drivers Norris will need to overtake in a potentially crucial grand prix early in the F1 season.
How Verstappen Seized Pole After Norris`s Crash
All top contenders made it to Q3, with McLaren appearing to be the favorites for pole, mirroring their practice dominance in Bahrain the previous week. In Bahrain, Piastri qualified first and secured the victory.
Similar to the previous week, Norris made a critical error in qualifying, but this time, it had significant consequences at the challenging Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for testing drivers` limits.
Norris took too much kerb at Turn 4`s exit, losing control and spinning into the wall on his first Q3 flying lap. The British driver was visibly frustrated, especially after admitting pre-session discomfort with the car in Saudi Arabia.
Piastri was the only driver to set a lap time before the session was red-flagged due to Norris`s damaged McLaren. Notably, Verstappen was the only leading driver to attempt two runs after the session resumed.
Karun Chandhok was at the SkyPad to look back on Lando Norris` crash during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Initially, Verstappen was just 0.001 seconds ahead of Piastri, but Russell and Piastri then posted even faster times, pushing Verstappen to improve further.
Red Bull chose to only change Verstappen`s tires, leaving no time for refueling or setup adjustments. He returned to the track and surpassed Piastri`s leading time by 0.010 seconds.
Verstappen admitted surprise at taking pole, especially after FP3 and considering the weekend`s overall performance. He noted that the car improved significantly in the night session after final adjustments, making it more enjoyable to drive. He also mentioned the challenge of a qualifying lap in Jeddah due to the proximity of walls, requiring a perfect lap.
Verstappen expressed satisfaction with pole position, recognizing it as the best starting point for the race, although he anticipates a tough race to keep competitors behind. He affirmed his commitment to perform his best.
Lewis Hamilton says he was grateful for reaching Q3 and taking seventh in qualifying at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Leclerc achieved fourth place in his Ferrari, 0.376 seconds behind the leader, outperforming Hamilton, who struggled and nearly missed Q3 in both Q1 and Q2.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, was consistently slower than Leclerc throughout the lap, lacking the same confidence as his teammate throughout the weekend.
Williams` Alex Albon was narrowly 0.007 seconds from eliminating Hamilton in Q2 and will start 11th, ahead of Racing Bull`s Liam Lawson, who achieved his best qualifying result this season.
Saudi Arabian GP Weekend Schedule
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Sunday, April 20
- 1pm: F1 Academy Race 2
- 2.20pm: F2 Feature Race
- 4.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 6pm: THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX*
- 8pm: Saudi Arabian GP reaction: Chequered flag
*Also live on Main Event
Formula 1 completes its first triple-header of 2025 in Jeddah with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend. Stream with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
