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Verstappen Secures Saudi GP Pole but Voices Concerns Over Tyre Strategy

Max Verstappen narrowly outqualified Oscar Piastri but doubts Red Bull's race pace and tyre management will hold up against McLaren's strengths in Jeddah.

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Overview

  • Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, edging out McLaren's Oscar Piastri by just 0.010 seconds in a closely fought qualifying session.
  • Despite his pole, Verstappen expressed doubts about Red Bull's long-run pace and tyre degradation, citing McLaren's superior rear-tyre management as a key challenge.
  • Verstappen admitted to concerns over Red Bull's performance on the medium tyre and revealed he has not tested the hard compound, which Pirelli recommends as the best race tyre.
  • Lando Norris, in the second McLaren, will start from 10th on the grid after crashing during his first Q3 lap, setting up a potential recovery drive in the race.
  • The Saudi Arabian GP follows a season where McLaren has consistently outperformed Red Bull in race conditions, increasing the strategic stakes for the championship battle.