F1 Qualifying Results: Verstappen handed shock as huge crash rock…read more
F1 Qualifying Results: Verstappen handed shock as huge crash rock…read more
Max Verstappen clinched pole position in a dramatic qualifying session for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as Lando Norris suffered a heavy crash in the final part of the session. The incident brought qualifying to a halt and added unexpected tension to the championship narrative.
The high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit lived up to its reputation for drama as the Q3 session was red-flagged following Norris’ collision. The McLaren driver hit the wall hard coming out of Turn 5 after his car violently bounced over the kerb. He tried to regain control, but it was too late, and the impact sent him straight into the barriers. Clearly frustrated with himself, Norris was heard over team radio calling himself a “f***ing idiot.”
With the session paused to clear debris and attend to Norris’ car, it gave Verstappen a golden opportunity. The Red Bull driver had saved two sets of soft tyres for a late attack and made them count when the action resumed. He delivered a blistering lap time of 1:27.294, edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.010 seconds to take the top spot.
Verstappen had already shown strong pace throughout qualifying. He was fastest in Q1 and consistently among the top contenders in Q2, keeping the pressure on as the track evolved. The Dutchman’s final effort ensured he starts Sunday’s race from the front of the grid, putting him in prime position to extend his championship lead.
Oscar Piastri continued to impress for McLaren, narrowly missing out on his maiden pole with a lap that was just fractions slower than Verstappen’s. The young Australian driver has steadily built confidence throughout the season and will start the race from second on the grid, giving McLaren hope for a strong result despite Norris’ misfortune.
George Russell also had a solid outing for Mercedes, placing third and just over a tenth behind Verstappen. He will share the second row with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was unable to challenge for pole but still managed a competitive time.
One of the surprises of the session came from Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who qualified an impressive fifth in just his third Grand Prix weekend. The young Italian showed maturity and composure, outqualifying several experienced drivers.
Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams, continued his string of solid performances with a sixth-place qualifying result. He was followed closely by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who had a narrow escape from Q2 after edging out Alex Albon by a mere 0.007 seconds. Hamilton eventually qualified seventh for Ferrari.
Yuki Tsunoda delivered a strong lap for Red Bull to take eighth, while Pierre Gasly gave Alpine a much-needed boost by placing ninth. Norris, who failed to set a lap time due to his crash, will start tenth unless his car requires major repairs that result in a grid penalty.
The Q2 eliminations saw Albon, Liam Lawson, Fernando Alonso, Isack Hadjar, and Ollie Bearman miss out on the top ten. Q1 saw Lance Stroll, Jack Doohan, Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Gabriel Bortoleto drop out early.
How F1 Qualifying Works
Formula 1 qualifying is divided into three segments: Q1, Q2, and Q3. In Q1, all 20 drivers compete, with the slowest five being eliminated. The remaining 15 move on to Q2, where another five are knocked out. The final 10 drivers enter Q3 in a high-pressure shootout to determine the top positions on the starting grid. Each session features tight margins and strategic decisions, especially concerning tyre choices and timing, making qualifying a crucial part of the Grand Prix weekend.
With Verstappen leading the pack and surprises sprinkled throughout the grid, the stage is set for an unpredictable and thrilling Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
