Max Verstappen takes pole in Saudi Arabian qualifying after Lando Norris crashes

By Canadian Press on April 19, 2025.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen took pole position in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after standings leader Lando Norris crashed on Saturday.

Red Bull’s Verstappen beat McLaren driver Oscar Piastri’s time by .01 of a second on his final run to take pole for Sunday’s race. George Russell was third fastest for Mercedes.

Norris had not set a time in the third part of qualifying when he lost control over a curb and ran wide into the wall on the exit of the corner, breaking his car’s suspension. That brought out the red flag, stopping the session until the McLaren could be removed.

Norris told the team over the radio he was unhurt.

Norris has a three-point lead over his McLaren teammate Piastri after four races.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

The Associated Press

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