F1 Qualifying Results:Verstappen Seizes Surprise Pole as Major Crash Disrupts Saudi Arabian F1…read more
F1 Qualifying Results:Verstappen Seizes Surprise Pole as Major Crash Disrupts Saudi Arabian F1…read more
Max Verstappen claimed a dramatic pole position for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a high-speed crash involving Lando Norris brought a shocking turn to qualifying. Norris, who had shown strong pace, lost control of his McLaren during the final part of qualifying (Q3). The Briton’s car was destabilized after hitting a kerb at Turn 5, causing a sudden snap in handling. Though Norris tried to save the car, he ultimately slammed into the barriers, bringing out a red flag that temporarily halted the session.
Immediately after the crash, a frustrated Norris was heard over team radio blaming himself, calling himself a “f***ing idiot.” The crash left him unable to set a time, and he will start Sunday’s race from 10th place on the grid.
The incident inadvertently benefited Verstappen, who still had a fresh set of tires available when the session resumed. With time ticking down, he delivered a flawless lap that edged him ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.010 seconds. Verstappen had already shown strong form earlier in the day, topping Q1 and consistently challenging for the top spot throughout the session. His late push in Q3 finally unlocked the full potential of his Red Bull on the fast and unforgiving Jeddah street circuit.
Mercedes’ George Russell secured third place, just over a tenth of a second behind Verstappen, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc followed in fourth. Promising rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed by taking fifth for Mercedes, narrowly ahead of Carlos Sainz, who now drives for Williams. Lewis Hamilton only just made it into Q3, scraping past Williams’ Alex Albon by 0.007 seconds in Q2. The seven-time world champion will start the race from seventh.
Further back, Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull managed a solid eighth, ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Norris rounded out the top ten due to his crash and was unable to post a time.
**Full Q3 Results – 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Qualifying:**
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:27.294
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.010
3. George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.113
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.376
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +0.572
6. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +0.870
7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.907
8. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +0.910
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +1.073
10. Lando Norris (McLaren) – No Time
Eliminated in Q2:
11. Alex Albon (Williams)
12. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
14. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
15. Ollie Bearman (Haas)
Eliminated in Q1:
16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
17. Jack Doohan (Alpine)
18. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)
19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
20. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
Quick Guide: How F1 Qualifying Works:
F1 qualifying is split into three timed segments—Q1, Q2, and Q3.
Q1: All 20 drivers participate, and the five slowest are eliminated.
Q2:The remaining 15 fight for a top-10 spot. Five more are eliminated.
Q3: The final 10 drivers compete in a shootout to determine the top grid positions for the race.
This format ensures excitement throughout, and in Saudi Arabia, it delivered yet another twist in the 2025 championship story.
