Verstappen Takes Pole in Saudi Arabia as Norris Crashes Out

Max Verstappen delivered yet another masterclass in qualifying, snatching pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by just 0.010 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri in a dramatic session under the Jeddah lights.

The Red Bull Racing ace once again proved why he’s the man to beat in 2025, edging out the young McLaren driver with a blistering lap time of 1:27.294. But while Piastri impressed, his teammate and current championship leader Lando Norris suffered a nightmare in Q3, crashing out before completing a single flying lap. Norris’s heavily damaged car ruled him out of contention, leaving him to start 10th with no recorded time.

George Russell continued his strong form for Mercedes, clocking the third-fastest time and putting himself firmly in the mix for Sunday’s race. Another standout performance came from Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams, who shocked the paddock by finishing sixth—beating his former Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton in the process.

Rookie sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli also made headlines, placing fifth for Mercedes in just his fifth F1 weekend, further fuelling the hype around the teenage prodigy.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Qualifying Top 10

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. Andrea 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