F1 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Final Starting Grid Confirmed After Penalties…read more.
F1 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Final Starting Grid Confirmed After Penalties…read more.
The starting grid for the 2025 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been officially confirmed following the application of multiple grid penalties. After an intense qualifying session under the lights in Jeddah, several drivers have seen their starting positions reshuffled due to infractions and technical changes.
Pole position remains with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who delivered a stunning lap on Saturday to secure the top spot. However, his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who initially qualified third, has been handed a 5-place grid penalty for a gearbox change and will now start eighth. This promotes McLaren’s Lando Norris to the second row, joining Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who maintained his position despite a post-qualifying investigation into track limits.
Carlos Sainz, back in form after a slow start to the season, climbs to fourth, while George Russell benefits from the shake-up to start fifth. Further down the grid, penalties for Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon for impeding during qualifying have dropped them several places, giving drivers like Oscar Piastri and Fernando Alonso a better chance to capitalize on the chaos.
The adjustments have significantly changed the complexion of Sunday’s race, with strategy and overtaking opportunities expected to play a key role on the high-speed street circuit. With championship points and pride on the line, fans can expect a dramatic showdown under the lights in Jeddah as the second round of the 2025 season gets underway.
