Norris Claims Stunning Pole in Wet Las Vegas Qualifying as Verstappen Settles for P2 and Sainz Shines for Williams

McLaren’s Lando Norris delivered a sensational final flying lap in treacherous wet conditions to take pole position for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, beating Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen by 0.323 seconds. The dramatic session, marked by heavy rain, aquaplaning incidents, and rapidly evolving conditions, also produced a shock third-place result for Carlos Sainz, handing Williams one of its strongest qualifying performances in recent years.

Norris Survives Q1 Scare and Delivers a Dazzling Q3 Finale

Norris’s qualifying journey started under pressure, narrowly escaping Q1 in P13 after struggling on full wet tyres. But as the track began to evolve, the McLaren driver grew in confidence.

In Q3, Norris initially surged seven tenths clear as conditions improved, only for Verstappen to strike back with a 1:48.257 to take provisional pole. Norris, however, managed to cross the line just in time to begin one final lap.

Purple in sectors one and two, Norris looked unstoppable—until a wild slide in the final corners nearly ruined his effort. Despite the near-spin, the championship leader held on to deliver a breathtaking 1:47.934, securing his seventh pole of the season.

Verstappen Strong but Not Enough; Sainz Stuns with P3

Verstappen, who appeared poised for another pole in the wet, settled for second, admitting he had “nothing left” in the drying final minutes.

Carlos Sainz produced one of the standout performances of the day, putting his Williams Mercedes on the second row with a superb lap of 1:48.296, just 0.362s off pole.

Rain Chaos and Shock Exits in Q1

The session began under heavy rain, forcing drivers onto intermediate tyres before aquaplaning incidents pushed the field onto full wets.

Q1 delivered major drama:

Alex Albon hit the barriers and dropped out in P16
Kimi Antonelli also failed to advance for Mercedes
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) and Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) were eliminated
In a shock upset, Lewis Hamilton was knocked out in P20, unable to generate heat in the full wet tyres

Rapid Evolution in Q2

Barrier repairs delayed Q2, allowing the track to improve.

Highlights:

Norris took an early P1 with 1:53.302
Verstappen briefly led with 1:52.693
Oscar Piastri edged him by 0.013s
Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar both took turns at the top as conditions rapidly improved
George Russell delivered a late stunner with 1:50.935 to top Q2

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri scraped through in P10, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Haas duo Ocon and Bearman, and Alpine’s Colapinto all failed to advance.