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Verstappen Secures Pole for Saudi GP as McLaren's Piastri Looms

Max Verstappen narrowly edged out Oscar Piastri in qualifying, but tyre strategy and Norris's recovery from 10th could upend the race dynamics.

Formula One F1 - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - April 18, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during practice REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
Formula One F1 - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - April 20, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri in the pit lane REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives to his grid position during the 2025 Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 20, 2025.
Formula One F1 - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - April 20, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri on the grid ahead of the race REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

Overview

  • Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, beating Oscar Piastri by just 0.010 seconds in a tightly contested qualifying session.
  • Verstappen expressed concerns about Red Bull's tyre degradation, particularly on medium compounds, casting doubt on his ability to maintain the lead during the race.
  • Oscar Piastri remains confident in McLaren's long-run pace and sees opportunities to challenge Verstappen for the win, aided by Jeddah's overtaking-friendly layout.
  • Lando Norris, leading the drivers' championship, starts 10th after a Q3 crash but could leverage fresh soft tyres and potential safety car scenarios to climb the order.
  • Carlos Sainz achieved a season-best sixth for Williams, showcasing the team's steady progress and competitiveness in the midfield battle.