F1 Qualifying results: Verstappen Grabs Stunning Pole in Saudi Arabia Amid N….readmore
In a dramatic twist during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen clinched a remarkable pole position as chaos unfolded behind him. The session reached a tense climax when McLaren’s Lando Norris crashed out in Q3, triggering a red flag and reshaping the narrative of the qualifying battle.
Verstappen delivered a blistering lap to secure pole, showcasing the dominant pace of his Red Bull machine. The reigning world champion looked untouchable around the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, reinforcing his bid for another strong race weekend. However, the spotlight quickly shifted when Norris suffered a major crash just minutes into the final qualifying session.
While pushing hard through Turn 5, Norris’s McLaren appeared unsettled as it bounced aggressively over the kerb. The sudden snap of oversteer proved too much to control, and despite a quick attempt to correct the car, he was unable to avoid a heavy impact with the wall. The crash brought an abrupt halt to the session as the red flag was waved.
Norris, who was visibly frustrated, could be heard berating himself over the team radio, calling himself a “f***ing idiot” moments after the incident. Although he emerged unscathed, the crash was a significant blow to McLaren’s hopes, especially after showing promising pace earlier in the weekend.
The incident not only disrupted Q3 but also raised questions about car setup, track limits, and the relentless challenge of the Jeddah street circuit. With barriers lining the circuit and minimal room for error, even a slight misjudgment can have major consequences — as Norris’s crash demonstrated.
As the session resumed, no one could better Verstappen’s time, cementing his position at the front of the grid. The Dutch driver now heads into Sunday’s race with a strong advantage, while Norris faces a tough recovery drive from further down the order — assuming his car can be repaired in time.
The qualifying result adds an unexpected twist to the championship narrative, with the front row now featuring familiar rivals but under very different circumstances. With emotions running high and tension building, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix promises an intense battle as the lights go out.
