F1 2025: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix starting grid with penalties ap…..read more
The starting grid for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been confirmed following an action-packed qualifying session under the lights at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Leading the way is none other than Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, who claimed his second pole position of the season after bouncing back from a difficult outing at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen’s performance was a reminder of his dominance, as he managed to edge out fierce competition from Oscar Piastri of McLaren and George Russell of Mercedes to secure the top spot on the grid.
Verstappen’s pole position sets him up well for Sunday’s race, especially considering the historical trend at this circuit. The driver starting from pole has gone on to win every Grand Prix so far in the 2025 season, and Verstappen himself has taken victory in three of the last four races held in Saudi Arabia. The Dutchman will undoubtedly be aiming to continue that form and extend his lead in the championship.
Oscar Piastri delivered an impressive qualifying performance for McLaren, securing second place on the grid. Piastri has shown solid form this season and will be looking to challenge Verstappen from the front row. Starting just behind him is George Russell, who once again demonstrated Mercedes’ pace with a strong qualifying session. Russell starts third and will be eager to get a good launch off the line to put pressure on the leaders.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start fourth after a consistent showing in qualifying. The Monegasque driver outperformed his new teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who continues to struggle to adapt to life at Ferrari. Hamilton could only manage a seventh-place start, highlighting the difficulties he’s faced since making the high-profile switch from Mercedes.
Another standout performance came from Kimi Antonelli, the young Mercedes driver who will start fifth. Antonelli’s rapid rise through the ranks continues to impress, and he finds himself well-placed to fight for significant points in Sunday’s race. Just behind him is Carlos Sainz in the Williams, who starts sixth and will be keen to continue his resurgence after a strong start to the season.
Hamilton’s seventh-place starting position puts him behind his Ferrari teammate and in the midst of a tightly packed midfield, where overtaking opportunities may be limited. Right behind him in eighth is Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull, showing that the team has strong pace with both cars well inside the top ten.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly starts ninth, continuing his trend of solid qualifying performances in 2025. Completing the top ten is Lando Norris, who endured a frustrating qualifying session. The McLaren driver crashed out early in Q3 and was unable to set a lap time, relegating him to tenth despite showing strong pace earlier in the weekend.
Just outside the top ten is Alex Albon in the Williams, who starts from 11th. Albon has been quietly consistent this season and will be looking to break into the points from his position on the grid.
With the starting order set and a thrilling race expected under the lights in Jeddah, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if he can convert another pole into victory. However, with talented challengers like Piastri, Russell, and Leclerc starting close behind, the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix promises to deliver plenty of excitement.
