JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Max Verstappen will start on pole for Sunday`s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after championship contender Lando Norris crashed in Q3 and finished tenth.
Verstappen, the reigning champion, claimed his second pole of the season, outperforming McLaren`s Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.010 seconds.
Verstappen exclaimed his delight, stating he didn`t anticipate pole position after earlier practice sessions, but adjustments to the car improved its performance significantly.
He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining the lead in the race but expressed determination to give it his best.
Piastri expressed satisfaction with his performance, recognizing Verstappen`s strong showing, particularly on high-speed circuits favored by Red Bull.
Norris, who had been fastest in Q2, crashed at Turns 4 and 5 during his first Q3 attempt, resulting in a tenth-place start.
Norris expressed his frustration over the team radio after the incident, confirming he was unharmed.
This incident further impacts Norris`s championship aspirations, as Piastri recently narrowed the points gap.
George Russell of Mercedes secured third place, followed by Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc in fourth.
Russell admitted exceeding expectations with P3, acknowledging Mercedes` performance limitations on high-speed tracks compared to McLaren and Red Bull.
Mercedes` rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start fifth, with Carlos Sainz in sixth.
Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari will start seventh, followed by Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull in eighth.
Pierre Gasly for Alpine and Lando Norris complete the top ten.
Alex Albon narrowly missed the top ten, starting 11th.
Liam Lawson will start 12th, followed by Fernando Alonso in 13th, Isack Hadjar in 14th and Oliver Bearman in 15th.
Lance Stroll will start 16th, Jack Doohan 17th, Nico Hulkenberg 18th, Esteban Ocon 19th and Garbiel Bortoleto 20th.
