Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.01 seconds. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, the current championship leader, suffered a devastating crash during Q3, leaving his title hopes in jeopardy.
Lando Norris Hits the Wall, Faces Uphill Battle
Norris, who entered the weekend leading the championship, made a costly error in his first Q3 run. He hit the wall after misjudging the kerb through turns 4-6, damaging his car and ultimately ending his session. Although he was unharmed, Norris was clearly frustrated, expressing his disappointment over the team radio, saying, “I’m a f***ing idiot.”
With just a three-point lead over Piastri and an eight-point margin over Verstappen, Norris will start Sunday’s race from 10th position. Reflecting on the setback, Norris said, “I’ve let myself and the team down. Overcoming this on a track where overtaking is nearly impossible will be tough, but if I can make it into the top five or six, I’d consider that a success.”
Verstappen Bounces Back, Red Bull Strategy Pays Off
Max Verstappen, who endured a challenging sixth-place finish in Bahrain, regained his rhythm in Jeddah. Red Bull made a strategic decision to fuel Verstappen for two hot laps after a red flag caused by Norris’s crash. The Dutchman used the first lap as a warm-up and nailed the second, clocking a 1:27.294 lap time to secure pole.
“The car felt much better this weekend,” Verstappen said after his pole performance. “Happy to be back on top.”
Verstappen’s strong qualifying performance comes amid ongoing speculation about his future at Red Bull, which he addressed earlier this weekend, dismissing any concerns about his long-term plans with the team.
Qualifying Standouts
George Russell was impressive in third for Mercedes, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured fourth. Kimi Antonelli, also driving for Ferrari, was in fifth, rounding out the top five.
Lewis Hamilton struggled to find his pace and ended the session in seventh, nearly one second behind Verstappen’s pole time. Carlos Sainz, representing Williams, finished sixth, with Yuki Tsunoda placing eighth in the second Red Bull. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10 in ninth for Alpine.
Midfield and Back of the Grid
The midfield positions were filled by Alex Albon (11th), Liam Lawson (12th), Fernando Alonso (13th), Isack Hadjar (14th), and Ollie Bearman (15th). At the back, Lance Stroll qualified in 16th, followed by Jack Doohan (17th), Nico Hülkenberg (18th), Esteban Ocon (19th), and Gabriel Bortoleto (20th).
A Crucial Race Awaits
With Verstappen starting from pole and Norris struggling from 10th position on a street circuit known for its limited overtaking opportunities, Sunday’s race is expected to be a crucial one in the 2025 championship battle. The outcome could have a significant impact on the title race as drivers fight for supremacy in the closing stages of the season.