Norris Grabs Pole in Wet Las Vegas GP Qualifying
Lando Norris clinched pole position in a chaotic, rain-soaked Las Vegas GP qualifying, narrowly beating Max Verstappen. Championship rival Oscar Piastri qualified fifth after a spin by Charles Leclerc disrupted his final lap. The session saw several incidents and notable eliminations, including Lewis Hamilton in Q1, setting up an unpredictable and crucial race for the championship contenders.
Championship leader Lando Norris will start the Las Vegas Grand Prix from pole position, having beaten Max Verstappen by three-tenths in a tricky wet qualifying session. His main title rival, Oscar Piastri, finished down in fifth place with his final lap compromised by a spin from Charles Leclerc.
Why it matters:
The wet qualifying session at the Las Vegas GP threw a wrench into the championship battle, with Lando Norris seizing a crucial pole position. This outcome significantly impacts the title race, as his main rival, Oscar Piastri, was hampered by adverse conditions and a competitor's incident. The unpredictable nature of the session, marked by rain and multiple incidents, sets the stage for a potentially thrilling and high-stakes race.
The details:
- Q1 Chaos: The session began on a wet track, forcing drivers to switch between wet and intermediate tires. Visibility was extremely low, with Oscar Piastri complaining about grip. Early pace setters included Pierre Gasly, Oliver Bearman, and Lance Stroll, with Carlos Sainz briefly going P1 before Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri took turns at the top.
- Incidents and Eliminations: Bearman's session ended with a front wing barrier collision, while Alex Albon hit the wall. George Russell topped Q1, but notable eliminations included Alex Albon, Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Yuki Tsunoda, and Lewis Hamilton.
- Q2 Delays and Gambles: Q2 was delayed to clear debris. Drivers started on full wets despite the rain stopping, with track temperatures at a cool 13°C. Lando Norris set an early pace before Verstappen took the lead.
- Stroll's Intermediate Risk: Lance Stroll made an early gamble on intermediate tires but dropped down the order as conditions were still too wet. Sainz then went quickest, followed by Verstappen, before Russell secured P1 in Q2.
- Q2 Eliminations: Stroll finished 12th and was eliminated, along with Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Bearman, and Franco Colapinto.
- Q3 Pole Fight: Track conditions improved in Q3, with all ten drivers on intermediate Pirelli tires. Isack Hadjar and Sainz initially led before Piastri and Norris went 1-2. Sainz then regained P1, but Norris ultimately secured pole with a 1:47.934s, 0.323s ahead of Verstappen.
- Leclerc's Spin: Charles Leclerc spun at Turn 12, compromising Piastri's final lap and leaving the Ferrari driver in ninth place.
Race results:
- Lando Norris McLaren 1:47.934
- Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.323
- Carlos Sainz Williams +0.362
- George Russell Mercedes +0.869
- Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.027
- Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +1.128
- Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.532
- Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls +1.620
- Charles Leclerc Ferrari +1.938
- Pierre Gasly Alpine +3.606
What's next:
With Lando Norris on pole and Oscar Piastri starting further back, the championship battle is poised for a dramatic turn. The variable conditions throughout qualifying suggest that tire strategy and managing potential further rain will be critical in the race. All eyes will be on Norris to convert his pole into a win, while Piastri will be looking to recover ground and minimize the championship impact of his compromised qualifying. The performance of Mercedes and Ferrari, particularly with Hamilton's early exit and Leclerc's spin, will also be closely watched as they aim to challenge the frontrunners.