Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass in qualifying at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, snatching pole position for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a dramatic session that saw championship leader Lando Norris crash out. The Red Bull driver edged out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.010 seconds, setting a new track record with a blistering lap of 1:27.294, securing his second pole of the season and 42nd of his career.
The session was marked by high tension and fine margins, with McLaren entering as favorites after dominating practice sessions. However, Norris’s early Q3 crash at Turn 5, triggered by a moment over the kerbs, brought out a red flag and left him stranded in 10th place, dealing a blow to his title hopes. Verstappen capitalized on the opportunity, executing a bold two-lap strategy after the restart, a move that allowed him to fine-tune his approach and clinch pole with a lap he described as “simply lovely.”
“I’m very happy,” Verstappen said post-session. “I didn’t expect to be on pole here after FP3 and looking at how the whole weekend was. The car came alive at night, we made some final changes, and it was a lot more enjoyable to drive. It’s really satisfying to be first here in qualifying.” He acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “Tomorrow in the race, it will be tough to keep them behind, but we’re going to give it a good go.”
Piastri, who set a strong benchmark before Norris’s crash, was gracious in defeat, stating, “I was pretty happy with it. That last lap felt more or less like the best I could’ve done. Max has done a good job.” He remains optimistic about McLaren’s race pace, especially with softer tires potentially playing to their advantage. Mercedes’ George Russell rounded out the top three, 0.113 seconds off Verstappen’s pace, expressing satisfaction with his lap but hinting at untapped potential.
The qualifying session underscored Verstappen’s resilience amid a challenging season for Red Bull. After a disappointing sixth-place finish in Bahrain, where he voiced frustration with the car’s performance, the Dutchman’s performance in Jeddah silenced doubters and reaffirmed his championship credentials. His pole lap, reminiscent of his stunning effort at Suzuka two weeks prior, showcased his ability to extract the maximum from a car that has been inconsistent but thrives on high-speed circuits like Jeddah.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli completed the top five, while Lewis Hamilton struggled, managing only seventh, nearly a second off pole. Carlos Sainz impressed for Williams in sixth, and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly secured eighth and ninth, respectively.
Norris’s crash adds intrigue to the championship battle. Leading Piastri by three points and Verstappen by eight, his P10 start puts him at risk of losing ground in a tightly contested title fight. The McLaren driver was visibly dejected, calling himself a “fucking idiot” over team radio, a reflection of the intense pressure he faces.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its high-speed kinks and unforgiving walls, promises a thrilling race. With Verstappen starting from pole, Piastri alongside, and four teams—Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari—in contention, Sunday’s Grand Prix, set to start at 6:00 PM BST, could be a pivotal moment in the 2025 season.