2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Norris Storms to Pole in Wet Qualifying
Lando Norris clinched pole position for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix in a challenging, rain-soaked qualifying session, outperforming Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz. The incredibly slippery conditions led to several unexpected grid positions, including a difficult session for Lewis Hamilton. Investigations are ongoing for Sainz and both Mercedes drivers, setting the stage for an unpredictable race in Las Vegas.
Lando Norris secured a dramatic pole position for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, expertly navigating incredibly slippery, wet conditions during a chaotic qualifying session. Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz will start alongside him on the front row, with several unexpected results shaking up the grid.
Why it matters:
The unpredictable wet qualifying session in Las Vegas has set the stage for a potentially thrilling Grand Prix. Championship leader Lando Norris starting from pole position, combined with unexpected grid placements for other top contenders and rookie talents, promises an exciting race where strategy and driver skill will be paramount. This also highlights the challenges of racing in variable conditions on a street circuit.
The details:
- Norris's Masterclass: Lando Norris delivered an exceptional final lap in treacherous conditions to claim pole position with a time of 1:47.934.
- Top Contenders: Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured second with 1:48.257, just ahead of Carlos Sainz, who impressively placed third for Williams at 1:48.296, despite an ongoing investigation into his car.
- Unexpected Struggles: Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) was the slowest of all 20 drivers, ending Qualifying 1 amid confusion. Alex Albon (Williams) was the only driver to hit the wall during the session.
- Mid-field Surprises: George Russell (Mercedes) qualified fourth, while Oscar Piastri (McLaren) took fifth, though late confusion with a Racing Bulls car affected his final run. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) secured an impressive sixth.
- Investigations Underway: Both Mercedes drivers are under review for concerns regarding their set-up sheets, and Carlos Sainz's car is also being investigated.
- Full Starting Grid (Top 10):
- Lando Norris, McLaren, 1:47.934
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 1:48.257
- Carlos Sainz, Williams, 1:48.296
- George Russell, Mercedes, 1:48.803
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren, 1:48.961
- Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, 1:49.062
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, 1:49.466
- Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, 1:49.554
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 1:49.872
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine, 1:51.540
- Notable Mentions from Lower Grid: Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) leads the rest, with Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) making an early, unsuccessful gamble on intermediate tires in Q2. Rookie talents such as Oliver Bearman (Haas), Franco Colapinto (Alpine), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), and Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) also feature, with Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) rounding out the back of the grid.
What's next:
The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to be an unpredictable affair, particularly if the mixed weather conditions persist. Norris will be looking to capitalize on his pole position to extend his championship lead, while Verstappen and Sainz will aim to challenge from the front row. The investigations into Sainz and the Mercedes drivers could still impact the final grid, adding another layer of intrigue to Sunday's race.