Verstappen pips Piastri to Saudi Arabian GP pole as Norris crashes
19th April 2025Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has pipped McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, whilst Lando Norris crashed out in Q3.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen has claimed his 42nd career pole position in the final race of the first triple header in 2025, at the Saudi Arabian Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
The reigning world champion snatched the top spot away from Piastri by the narrowest of margins, pipping the championship contender by 10-hundredths of a second.
However, it wasn’t without issue. On the first runs of Q3, Piastri was the only driver to put in a lap time when the pit exit light turned green. This was thanks to a red flag caused by Norris.
The championship leader entered turn five too hot and unsettled his car on the kerb. Norris tried to regain control, but he quickly slammed into the barrier and out of qualifying. Thankfully, he was okay.
Lando Norris leads McLaren in final practice at F1 Saudi Arabian GP
It means he will start 10th in a weekend where Piastri or Verstappen could claim the championship lead, as they sit three and eight points behind him.
When the session resumed, Piastri tried to go faster but only managed a time of 1m 27.304s as Verstappen pipped him with a time of 1m 27.294s.
Mercedes’ in-form George Russell rounded out the top three drivers. He had provisionally secured pole position but was displaced by Piastri. In the end, his time was enough for third, over a tenth behind Verstappen’s best.
Read more Formula 1 here:
- Lando Norris leads McLaren in final practice at F1 Saudi Arabian GP
- Hamilton avoids punishment with Albon in Saudi Arabian GP practice
- Gasly pips Norris to fastest time in Saudi Arabian GP FP1
- Verstappen tells Sky F1 commentator to ‘focus on commentating’ at Saudi Arabian GP
- Minor track changes to Jeddah track ahead of F1 Saudi Arabian GP
- Weather report: the latest forecast for the F1 Saudi Arabian GP
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